Reads about challenges (5)
I believe the answer is:
dares
'challenges' is the definition.
(dare is a kind of challenge)
'reads about' is the wordplay.
'about' indicates an anagram.
'reads' is an anagram of 'DARES'.
(Other definitions for dares that I've seen before include "Makes bold, presumes to" , "Has the courage to do brave or dangerous thing" , "Ventures" , "''Who ..., wins'' (SAS motto)" , "Risks" .)