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Our Mission
Targets & Trails: Run & Gun empowers women through skill-building, confidence, and community. Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where women learn responsible firearm handling, push physical limits, and embrace the thrill of outdoor adventure.
Hosted By
The West of the Pecos Republican Women proudly host this event to encourage leadership, preparedness, and empowerment among women. Through this competition, they promote responsible firearm ownership, community engagement, and women’s self-reliance.
Event History
What started as a small challenge among women wanting to build tactical and trail-running skills has grown into a highly anticipated annual event. Now in its fourth year, Targets & Trails continues to inspire strong, capable women from across Texas and beyond.
FAQs
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Targets & Trails: Run & Gun is a 2-gun women’s competition combining desert trail running with precision shooting. The scenic West Texas mountains provide a rugged, picturesque backdrop as competitors challenge their endurance, safety discipline, and marksmanship skill.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 22
Location: Scenic mountain terrain south of Alpine, West Texas
Hosted by: West of the Pecos Republican Women
Distance: 3-5mile course
Stages: 5 shooting stages (subject to change)
Rifle Range: 50–100 yards
Pistol Range: 15–25 yards
Note:No Sig P320 pistols allowed.
Hydration Reminder: Desert conditions—begin hydrating at least two days prior to the event.
How It Works
Each competitor receives an individual start time.
Midpoint resupply is allowed, but race time continues.
Stages must be completed within 3–10 minutes, depending on stage design; exceeding the time results in a DNF “Did Not Finish”.
Stages vary in layout, target size, and required shooting positions.
Some stages include movement, transitions, or nonstandard positions.
Scoring
60% Shooting Score
40% Run Time
RO “Range Officer”-recorded hits and misses are used for tie-breaking.
Safety Standards
Safety is the highest priority and strictly enforced:
Firearms must remain pointed downrange, finger off the trigger during movement.
Rifles must be unloaded with no magazine inserted while running.
Pistols must be cleared before and after each stage; safeties engaged when applicable.
Weapons are checked at the start, finish, and at every stage entry/exit.
Any violation results in immediate disqualification.
Course ChallengesCompetitors should expect:
Rugged mountain terrain
Dynamic shooting positions
Weapon transitions
Environmental heat and desert conditions
Target distances requiring focus and adaptability
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Firearm Requirements
2-gun format: rifle + pistol
No Sig P320 pistols allowed
Rifles must be carried unloaded with no magazine inserted while running
Pistols must be cleared before/after each stage
Safety Rules
Muzzle always downrange
Finger off the trigger unless engaging targets
Movement requires weapons on SAFE (if applicable)
Range safety officers inspect weapons at
Start line
Stage entry/exit
Finish line
Any safety violation = immediate disqualification
Environmental Safety
Desert climate — hydration begins two days prior
Expect heat, dust, rocky footing, and elevation changes
On-site medical team provided
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GEAR BASICS
Rifle
Minimum caliber is .223/5.56mm. Maximum caliber - Nothing with a power factor greater than a .308 Winchester.
No Steel Core, Penetrating, Green Tip or M855 or other Armor Piercing Ammunition
Rifle Sling
You will need this to get your rifle from stage to stage.
Pistol
No Sig P320 Allowed
Minimum caliber is 9mm, .40 cal. S&W, .357 Sig, .45 cal. automatic (max)
Hard Pistol Holster
Your pistol must be holstered in a rigid, with retention device holster while on the course. This is to ensure your safety, as well as the safety of those around you.
The retention ensures that the pistol doesn’t pop out while negotiating the course or while running.
The rigid retention requirement is so nothing accidentally sets off a round by hitting the trigger.
NO vinyl, cloth, or inside the waistband holsters.
Backpack/Camelback
Keep it simple. You will need something to hold spare ammo and/or magazines as well as any water or extra gear. Remember there will be water stations on the course but not much shade.
Spare pistol/rifle mags
Assume you will need 2-3 times the amount of ammo required to complete the course of fire. This is estimated to be at least 300 rounds minimum between the rifle and pistol requirements.
Further information will be provided on this item as the course reaches its final design.
Personal Protective Equipment
Eye and ear protection (required)
Sturdy belt to attach holster and mag pouches and Participant Numbers
Gloves (optional)
Long sleeved Shirt with high neckline to prevent injury. Your participant number will be attached to you with Carabiner which will be provided.
Sunscreen, Hat, UV protective clothing. Long Sleeves and Long Pants. Remember the higher altitude (4500 feet).
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What to Bring
Rifle & pistol
Ammunition (details provided at registration)
Holster, rifle sling
Eye & ear protection
Trail shoes
Sunscreen, hat, hydration pack
Snacks & electrolytes
Skill Level
All skill levels are welcome, but competitors must already understand basic firearm safety and operation.
Start Times
Each competitor receives a staggered start time to ensure safe stage flow.