Close-up of a prickly pear at a private ranch in Alpine Texas
A Santa Elena canyon with high rocky walls on both sides and a river flowing through the bottom, Big Bend National Park

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

  • 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 Challenges

    Competitors should expect:

    • Rugged mountain terrain

    • Dynamic shooting positions

    • Weapon transitions

    • Environmental heat and desert conditions

    • Target distances requiring focus and adaptability

  • 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

  • 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).

  • 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.