Dry January may already be a dim and distant memory. And those new year’s resolutions may not have been as successful as you’d hoped. So why not find an inspiring adventure or endurance event to fire up your 2025 instead?

Targeting an ultramarathon or other endurance event may seem even more daunting than the prospect of giving up booze for a month. But with enough time for preparation – putting together a realistic training plan – a big event like this could really get your fitness goals back on track. And with an inspiring list of running, riding and multisport adventure and endurance event all over the globe to choose from, the experience itself is often inspiring enough to help you lay down long-lasting health and fitness habits.

Whether you’re a middle-distance runner looking to target your first long-distance trail run, a keen cyclist wanting to take part in a scenic sportive or a triathlete or jack of all trades who wants to mix it up with a multisport event in the far-flung wilderness, we have something to float your boat.

We’ve cherry picked the best endurance events in the UK and beyond for 2025. Enter one now and you’ll have plenty of time to formulate a structured training plan to ensure you enjoy every minute. Of course there’s no pain, no gain where endurance events are concerned. But tackling your biggest distance yet could be the inspiration you need to challenge yourself every year and be the healthiest, fittest and happiest you you can be.

Our pick of the best adventure and endurance events for 2025

XTERRA Greece Vouliagmeni

25-27 April

While the televised XTERRA off-road triathlons are the arena of the elite pros, thousands of amateur racers, fitness enthusiasts and families alike take part in these popular global swim-bike-run events. XTERRA Greece is particularly popular, with courses of all distances running from Vouliagmeni beach’s golden sands into the picturesque foothills of the South Hymettus mountains.

Rat Race: Sea to Summit Spain

5-9 June

Rat Race put on a number of extremely well organised guided endurance adventures across the globe. Though these are more experiences than races, you’ll be testing yourself against the distance, terrain end elements even as you soak up breathtaking views. There are a number of multisport events on offer. However, if you prefer to stay on your own two feet, how about this spectacular two-day journey connecting the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea with the summit of mainland Spain’s highest mountain and the highest mountain in Western Europe outside of the Alps – Mulhacen.

A mountain goat runs away from a climber
Credit: Rat Race

Endure 24

7-8 June / 28-29 June

Endure24 is a race unlike any other: running solo, in pairs, or teams of up to 12, you’ll have 24 hours to rack up as many laps of the off-road 8km Wasing Park (Reading) or Bramhan Park (Leeds) trail courses as you can. Its unique flexibility means it can be anything you want it to be – from your first 8km trail race to an ultra-endurance 24-hour epic!

Slate Man Triathlon

8 June

Forming part of the iconic Adventure Series along with the Sandman and Snowman triathlons, the Slateman is a extremely challenging multisport event set in the heart of Snowdonia. You can choose from sprint and standard distances up to full tri and ultras – as well as duathlons that skip the swimming element. You’ll need to bring your climbing legs though, as this part of Wales is far from flat.

Racers running through an old slate mine in Wales
Credit: Always Aim High

Midlands Spartan Trifecta Weekend

11-13 July

Spartans events promise a physical and mental challenge unlike any other. The Midlands race may be set in the picturesque surrounds of Belvoir Castle but that’ll be the last thing on your mind as you tackle a gruelling obstacle course. Choose from a 5km Sprint (20 obstacles), 10km Super (25 obstacles) or Beast 21km (30 obstacles) – or go all in with the Trifecta, which is all three distances in the same weekend.

Questars Chilterns

13 September

Questars events are a great way to get your first adventure race fix. Choose whether you run, bike, kayak or all three across rolling terrain, visiting checkpoint via a route you devise. It’s a friendly, supportive environment in which you choose how far you go. All you need are a pair of running shoes and a sense of adventure. The Chilterns event is the last in a series that includes the Forest of Dean, Surrey Hills and Peak District.

La Ruta

6-8 November

Embark on the ride of a lifetime at the 30th edition of La Ruta, the world’s toughest mountain bike race. Three heart-pounding days, 160 miles of challenging terrain and an unrivaled journey from the Caribbean Coast to the Pacific. La Ruta isn’t just a race; it’s an epic saga of conquering peaks, navigating dense jungles and pushing your limits against the backdrop of Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes.