The annual Blizzard Blast race has quickly become the unofficial start to the new OCR season in the New England area. Now in its fifth year, the winter-themed race, created by the local Smith Fest entertainment company, has consistently been highly regarded with fun and challenging obstacles. After spending the last couple years at a local golf course, they decided to move the race back to its original location at the Shedd Park and Fort Hill area of Lowell, MA.

Well, it seems this is becoming an annual charity event for our racing group. This is the third year we have ventured east, and it is always a new challenge when it comes to the weather. This night was no exception to that rule. Previous years were pouring rain or knee deep snow with frigid wind chills; this time brought us pea soup fog and a sprinkle of mild drizzle. Meaning the snow, was non-existent and icy patches dotted the trails adding an element of potential dread.

As we are driving through very remote parts of Texas, the Y.O. Ranch entrance comes into view. The ranch encompasses massive amounts of acreage, where cattle and white-tailed deer roam freely. Ranch houses and picnic pavilions scatter the property. This is where the Green Beret Challenge: Behind Enemy Lines – Survival and Evasion took place.