Dare to Dream Bigger: 5 Challenges to Take on in 2025

Ready to make 2025 the year you push boundaries, redefine goals, and truly thrive? Whether you’re looking to improve your mental health, boost physical fitness, or try something totally new, setting yourself a challenge could be the game-changer you need. For the Armed Forces community, there’s no shortage of opportunities to rise to the occasion—often for free!

Why Take on a Challenge?

Over the last few years, the importance of mental health and wellbeing has been a focal point in conversations worldwide, particularly amongst veterans, reservists and their families. This year, it’s time to turn focus into action. That focus has become even more pronounced as individuals, communities, and workplaces make mental health a priority like never before. Registering for a challenge can be a great way to boost your mental health and physical wellbeing and there are many free opportunities available to you throughout the year. 

In this article, we highlight some of the different ways you can challenge yourself in 2025, whether it be a physical challenge supporting a charity or learning something new. There is something for everyone! We have put together 5 suggestions that you could use to challenge yourself in 2025: 

1. Participate in a Run

Imagine crossing the finish line of an iconic race, adrenaline pumping, crowd cheering, and the knowledge that you’ve conquered a massive goal. Running isn’t just exercise—it’s empowerment. 

Running is one of the most accessible and rewarding ways to challenge yourself, both physically and mentally. Whether you’re an experienced runner or lacing up your trainers for the first time, training for a race is a fantastic goal to work towards. From 5km fun runs to 10km races, half marathons, full marathons, and even ultra marathons, there’s a challenge to suit every level of ability and ambition. 

The journey is just as rewarding as the event itself. Training helps improve your fitness, boost your confidence, and can even lead to discovering beautiful routes through cities and countryside alike. With an abundance of training apps like Couch to 5K, Runna or Strava, you’ll have expert guidance right at your fingertips, making it easier than ever to achieve your goal.

Many Service charities offer race places for events such as half and full marathons, combining personal achievement with the chance to make a difference. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned sprinter, there’s a race out there for you. Here are some stand out opportunities to inspire you: 

• London Landmarks Half Marathon - 6th April 2025.

Run through the heart of London while raising money for charities like Heropreneurs and Walking With The Wounded. 

Last year, Troopr Founder and CEO, Hatty Jackson, completed this for Heropreneurs. She said “Running a half marathon through the heart of central London, passing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, was an incredible experience. Knowing that each step was raising money for Heropreneurs, a charity close to my heart that supports new entrepreneurs from the military community, made it all the more meaningful.”

• London Marathon - 27th April 2025

Possibly one of the most famous marathons in the world!

Troopr’s Lewy Lewis ran this event last year for the Royal British Legion with 45.7kgs on his back to honour the 457 we lost in conflict in Afghanistan. He plans on running again this year, keep an eye on our social media pages to find out how he is going to push himself that extra mile! 

• Edinburgh Half Marathon- 25th May 2025

Fast & flat, the Edinburgh Half Marathon follows the marathon course which was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first half marathon or you are looking for a PB. Many Service charities such as Forces Children Scotland offer places.

• UK Great North Run - 7th September

Join 60,000 runners at the world’s biggest and best half marathon. Expect an iconic route and a warm Geordie welcome waiting. Sign up with Blind Veterans UK.

• Royal Parks Half Marathon - 12th October

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is London’s original half marathon. Run on closed roads through four of the eight Royal Parks as well as being the greenest race of its kind in the UK. Sign up with Army Benevolent Fund

• Race to Remember - 8th November

Take on a physical endurance race from the home of the British Army to the iconic finish line at HMS Warrior to honour the servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Options include a 76km Ultra Marathon, 36km walk or 36km run. Sign up with Combat Stress

Pro Tip: Download apps like Couch to 5K, Runna or Strava to guide your journey from day one.

2. Conquer Iconic Hikes

If running isn’t your thing, why not lace up your hiking boots and tackle a famous trail? The UK is home to breathtaking walks like the West Highland Way in Scotland, the Yorkshire Three Peaks, or Scafell Pike. Whether you aim to conquer a famous trail or explore your local countryside, hiking is an incredible way to boost your energy and mental health, test your endurance all whilst reconnecting with nature.

Planning the route, prepping your gear, and tackling the trail can all become part of the adventure. Why not make it a group effort and create memories with friends or family?

• Help for Heroes Heroes Hikes

Date: April, May and June

Heroes Hikes are a great way to challenge yourself, explore the UK's best hiking spots and support our Armed Forces community. These charity one-day hikes are an opportunity to reconnect with nature, meet new friends and feel a real sense of achievement from taking on such a rewarding challenge.

• Walking with the Wounded Cumbrian Challenge

Date: 16th May

Alternatively, you could join Walking with the Wounded for the Cumbrian Challenge, a team-building event in the beautiful peaks of the Lake District  which supports veterans across the UK.

3. Master a New Skill

Challenges don’t have to be purely physical; pushing yourself mentally is just as rewarding. Why not make 2025 the year you master a new skill? Whether it’s cooking, photography, woodworking, or even learning a new language, there’s no shortage of options to explore. 

Learning something new not only enriches your life but also builds confidence and opens doors to new hobbies and communities. 

The Troopr website has many opportunities and resources; community gatherings, workshops and training courses to help you get started.

• Join an Art Group

Join an art group such as The Soldiers’ Arts Academy, a platform through which serving and ex-serving military personnel and their families can participate in the creative and performing arts. Not only are you learning new skills, you also have the opportunity to meet like-minded people, develop new friendships and gain confidence.   

Alternatively, you could join the Veterans In Communities Art Groups, which provides informal workshops around arts and crafts using the different painting styles, using a range of different materials to produce a variety of crafts and mediums to increase the knowledge and skills of participants.

• Try Out a New Sport

Have you ever thought about taking up boxing? The Fighting Chance uses boxing training to bring about improvement in people’s lives. They believe that everyone deserves the support they need to feel better, get some training or find work.

You could join a local football club. Many football clubs across the country have dedicated training sessions for veterans and the wider military community. Burnley Football Club in the Community is going one step further and is offering support to veterans across the board. They have a range of weekly activities from breakfasts to wellbeing, football fitness and training to social events. 

• Develop Your Career Skills

There are many opportunities to learn some new career skills. Recruit for Spouses, BPBS and SMJ Pathways all run free courses and events support the wider Armed Forces community where you can develop existing skills and learn new ones such as social media marketing, an introduction to cybersecurity and self-development. 

IBM SkillsBuild platform offers free training to learn job skills that will help you land a job. They offer courses where you can gain foundational skills to help you prepare for an entry-level job in tech, while earning credentials and getting guidance from technology experts. All at no cost. 

4. Turn Passion Into Purpose 

Combine personal growth with making a positive impact by taking on a challenge for charity. From fun runs and long-distance walks to cycling events and everything in between, there are countless ways to get involved.

Participating in a charity challenge is incredibly rewarding, giving you the chance to raise money and awareness for a cause close to your heart. Many charities also provide training plans and support to help you prepare, ensuring your journey is both meaningful and enjoyable.

There are many, many challenge events throughout the year, here is a snapshot of what kind of events you could take part in:

• Walk, Run, or Roll 10 Miles for Veterans’ Mental Health

Walk, run, or roll 10 miles this March to raise funds for Combat Stress’s life-changing mental health treatment for veterans.

The March in March event is simple to join: register for free, pick your day and location, and hit the ground running! Complete your 10 miles in one go, or spread them out over the month. Every step counts toward supporting those who’ve served.

• Get Your Team Together and Race for a Cause

Gather your friends for an adrenaline-fueled Soapbox Derby on Saturday 14th June 2025 and make a real impact for Hull 4 Heroes. It’s the perfect combination of fun, competition, and charity!

• Step Up for Bereaved Military Children in Scotty’s March

Join Scotty's flagship fundraising event on Saturday 28th September! March alongside the Scotty Members and team in Henley as you take on 10km, 25km or 50km. Run, walk or jog the distance to raise funds to support bereaved military children and young people.

• Get Active and Support the Forces with Team Forces Events

From rugby to skiing, Team Forces offers a range of fun sports events that boost both physical and mental health. You’ll be having a blast while making a difference.

• Survive the Wilderness for a Good Cause

Challenge yourself to survive 5 days in the wilderness. Learn the skills needed to survive off-grid from The Royal British Legion's military survival experts and put your new skills to the test.

• Take on a Historic March Across Stunning Landscapes

Recreate the legendary 1942 WW2 Airborne Division march—more than 5 marathons in 5 days through stunning UK landscapes. Join military personnel and civilians worldwide for The Forces March 30th April - 4th May 2025, an adventure that’s now raised over £500k for The Veterans Charity since it began in 2010.

• Cycle 250 Miles for Veterans in the Epic Waterloo Ride

This September, join, support or sponsor the cyclists riding an epic 250 miles from Waterloo Station, London to the Battlefield of Waterloo, Belgium to raise money for veterans and serving people in Waterloo Uncovered's Water to Waterloo Cycle.

5. Get Involved With Your Local a Community

2025 could be the perfect time to step outside your comfort zone by joining a new community group or participating in an event.

Getting involved in new experiences not only boosts your confidence but also connects you with vibrant communities and opens your mind to fresh perspectives. Across the UK, countless clubs and events are waiting for you to become a part of them.

• Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club

Why not connect with others by joining the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, which hosts free breakfast groups nationwide? Their mission is to create warm and welcoming spaces for all veterans from all branches making sure the support and welfare needs of veterans is fulfilled both inside and outside of the clubs.

• Andy’s Man Club

ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Their aim is to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation.

Discover more local community groups through Troopr's marketplace of opportunities

Challenging yourself is about more than just achieving a goal—it’s about stepping outside your comfort zone, discovering new strengths, and making time for what truly matters to you. It’s about the journey, the growth, and the memories you’ll create along the way. 

No matter what challenge you choose, the key is to start small and stay consistent. Not every challenge has to be monumental. It’s about taking the first step, whether that’s lacing up your trainers, signing up for a course, or planning a hike. Each small achievement will fuel your momentum to accomplish more. Set realistic milestones, track your progress, and celebrate every win along the way. 

2025 is your blank canvas. What will you achieve? Explore our opportunities and take the first step toward your challenge.