Operation OCALI 2025

Operation OCALI

November 21-23, 2025 | Malibu, California, USA

Distance: 65 +/- miles

Weight: 25 lbs dry

Elevation: 12,963 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 2000 hrs

Event Start Time: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 2100 hrs

Start Location: Parking Lot near the Ray Miller Trailhead, CA

Event Finish Time: Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 0900 hrs

Finish Location: Parking Lot at Will Rogers State Park, CA

Situation

Operation OCALI takes everything you thought you knew about endurance challenges and raises the stakes. Modeled after the infamous Operation OCALA in Florida, OCALI spans 65 +/- miles, but the elevation gain of nearly 13,000 feet makes this West Coast version a completely different beast. Set against the backdrop of the Santa Monica Mountains, this event demands that you carry a solid 25 pounds of dry weight, ensuring that every step is a true test of your strength and determination. This event is designed to push you to your limits and beyond.

The challenge begins on Friday night, plunging candidates straight into the darkness with no time to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. As you navigate through the night, the unfamiliar terrain will keep you on high alert. But the reward comes with the first light of Saturday morning—majestic views over the Pacific Ocean as the sun rises, painting the sky in hues of gold and orange. This breathtaking moment is both a brief respite and a powerful motivator as you continue your journey.

Saturday will be a full day in the hills, where you'll cover as much distance as possible while battling fatigue, soreness, and the relentless terrain. As night falls again, exhaustion will set in, testing your resolve. With only until 0900 on Sunday morning to complete this epic challenge, every step counts. The clock is ticking, and only those who can push through the discomfort, stay focused, and keep moving will conquer Operation OCALI.

Green Beret Fitness invites you to face the ultimate West Coast challenge. Are you ready?

Mission

Candidates must carry 25 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 65 +/- mile route in under 36 hours to earn the GBF Operation OCALI Dog Tag. The male and female winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Parking Lot near the Ray Miller Trailhead. At 2000 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 2100 hours.

Candidates must follow the Operation OCALI route through all four checkpoints (roughly 15 miles apart) and finish at the finish location before 0900 on Sunday morning.

Candidates who voluntarily withdraw / quit are not guaranteed a ride back to the start point until after the end of the event. Plan accordingly (warm clothes etc).

Service Support

Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed. The route for Operation OCALI is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 25 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.

Equipment

Mandatory Equipment

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone (fully charged)
• Phone charger
• LifeStraw (or similar water filtration system)
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)
• Bug Spray
• Bear Spray
• Bear Bell

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. Mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures often dipping into the low 50s, while midday can warm up to the mid-70s under the sun. Layers are essential.

Support Crews. Support Crews are not allowed to offer any physical support. See Rules below. Support Crews are allowed to collect you if you quit. This is very strongly encouraged if you wish to be extracted early.

Parking. Candidates who wish to leave their cars are kindly requested to park on the Pacific Coast Highway. The parking lot often closes between sunset and sunrise. Parking is done at the owner's risk.

Wildlife. The Santa Monica Mountains host a rich variety of wildlife. You might spot mule deer, coyotes, or even a bobcat as you navigate the trails. The area is also home to mountain lions, though they are rarely seen. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes sunning on rocks. Always stay aware of your surroundings and respect the natural habitats.

Checkpoints. There will be FOUR checkpoints on the route, roughly 15 miles apart. At each checkpoint you must punch your checkpoint card (issued at the start). Every candidate MUST check in at every checkpoint, even if they don’t wish to stop there. If candidates are very far behind the time, they will be informed and advised to stop.

CHECKPOINT 1

CHECKPOINT 2

CHECKPOINT 3

CHECKPOINT 4

Water. There will be bottled water and basic snacks at each checkpoint. Candidates should carry enough water to last 20 miles, in case they get lost.

Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.

Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.

Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement. Green Beret Fitness will transport successful candidates from the finish, back to the start. Candidates who withdraw are not guaranteed a ride until after the event is complete.

Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432

Rules.

1. Ruck Weight. Minimum of 25 lbs at all times.

2. Weight Type. The weight cannot be rocks or anything that can be disposed of and then collected later in the trail (stones etc).

3. Assistance. This is a solo, self-sufficient event. Drop bags or any other assistance is not permitted. You must carry what you require for the duration of the event. Moral support at checkpoints is permitted. Only candidates undertaking Operation OCALI are permitted on the trail. If candidates receive outside assistance (food, liquids, clothes etc) that is not from GBF HQ, they will fail. Carry what you require.

4. Route Distance. Those earning the Dog Tag must prove their route and distance (65+ miles) using GPS (watch, phone, etc).

5. Route Selection. Candidates must follow the Operation OCALI route and avoid using roads unless they are withdrawing and/or are in an emergency.

6. Checkpoints. Candidates MUST visit all FOUR Operation OCALI checkpoints.

7. Transport. No transportation is allowed to help you gain the advantage.

The Fine Print

Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 50. Minimum number of candidates 20.

Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.

Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.