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

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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

  • 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-mile 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.

    • 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-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

  • 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.

  • 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 trigger unless engaging targets

    • Movement requires weapons on SAFE (if applicable)

    • ROs 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

  • at joan’s house