Sometimes we all need a gut-check. Especially when we’ve let our guts grow…unchecked.
The Waco Tactical Fitness (WTF) run & gun event takes place in Crawford, TX, near Waco, and is organized by the WTF 501(c)3 charitable group. They stage these events several times a year, and this go around several of the Houston APC crew decided to check it out.
For those unfamiliar with “run and gun” events, contestants must perform timed marksmanship tasks with their pistol & rifle while also navigating a ~5 mile course, that features some formidable obstacles. WTF places a lot of emphasis on the obstacle elements, and the course included a handful of climbing events, crawling events, and even a lengthy stroll through a thigh-deep creek. Shooting events had a lot of emphasis on distance, the pistol events in particular were a bit farther out than I know most people tend to train at.
Turnout was awesome, I think about eighty or so contestants competed on Saturday alone (some multiple times, if you can believe it). It’s heartening to see that kind of enthusiasm, since that is what keeps this valuable but logistically-difficult sport alive. Competitors truly ran the full gambit, too; about a dozen or so ‘real-deal atheletes’ with massively impressive skills topped the chart, followed by those still honing their polished skills, then ‘amateurs’ of varying skill sets and preparedness, and lastly those like me who were just happy to be there.
Despite the exertion, exhaustion, and frustration, the important question;
Was answered in the affirmative by all, and in the end it was a great experience. The event was humbling for practically everyone, even the highly skilled competitors, and was difficult even by run & gun standards. I’m pretty sure everyone got a good idea of exactly where they need improvement to advance as a shooter or athelete. WTF really outdid themselves organizing and administrating the event; course layout and contest management by Range Officers is an art/skill that is rarely seen so well executed, and I’ll definitely consider attending another of their events.
~Steeltoe