05 Jun 2026
A local skateboarder is attempting to complete the equivalent of a marathon on wheels to raise funds for the regeneration of St Albans’ 40-year-old skatepark.
Josh Hills is aiming to skateboard the 26.2 miles at Gosling Park Velodrome in Welwyn Garden City to support the Pioneer Rebirth Project, a £200K fundraiser to transform the tired and outdated skateboarding facilities at The Pioneer Club.
The original part was built from scratch by a group of passionate volunteers in the 1980s, but is now long overdue for an upgrade.
The Pioneer is working with a team at Betong Park to design and build a new, professionally crafted skatepark that’s safer and smoother while still maintaining the heart and spirit of the original – just with better flow, more creative lines, and a design that will last for decades to come.
This isn’t just about new ramps. It’s about giving young people a place to belong. A place to fall and get back up (literally). A place to make friends, build confidence, stay active, and just be. In a world that can be tough to navigate, especially for young people, The Pioneer wants to offer a space that’s safe, supportive, and seriously fun.
Josh, 24, has been skateboarding at The Pioneer for nearly a decade, and worked there for the best part of five years.
“It’s become a massive part of my life over the years and somewhere that’s helped shape who I am. Skateboarding helps me a lot with my mental health and wellbeing. It’s one of the only times where I can properly switch off from everything going on in life and just focus on what I’m doing in the moment.
“It’s also given me an amazing social circle and some really close friendships. The community side of skateboarding is a huge part of why I love it so much.
“The Pioneer is such an important place for so many people, including me. It’s more than just a skatepark – it’s a safe space where people can come to escape everyday stress, be themselves, and feel accepted.
“I’ve spent so much of my life there that supporting it felt really important to me. I know firsthand how much of a positive impact it has on people, and I wanted to give something back to a place that’s done so much for me and others.”
He explained how he’s been training for his challenge, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday July 5 from noon: “Most of my training has been a mix of running, long-distance skating, and strength and conditioning work focused mainly on my legs. I’m trying to build up my endurance as much as possible so my body is ready for the distance.
“My biggest concern is probably the heat on the day, especially with it being in July. Staying hydrated and keeping my energy levels up over that distance is definitely going to be important.
“From the pace testing I’ve done so far, I’m expecting it to take around three to three and a half hours. I think skating it will hopefully be a little easier than running a marathon, mainly because I’ve spent so many years on a skateboard already, so it feels more natural to me – but it’s still going to be a massive challenge.”
Skatepark manager Charlie Spelzini, who has worked there for more than 14 years, has actually been using the skatepark for more than a quarter of a century, and will be supporting Josh on the day.
“I started skateboarding in 2000 when I was eight years old, although I didn’t visit my first skatepark until my 10th birthday. That skatepark was The Pioneer Club.
“I was actually too nervous to walk through the doors because it felt so intimidating. The volunteers at the time helped build my confidence and encouraged me to step inside. Twenty-four years later, I’m still here… and probably part of the furniture by now. Honestly, I owe the place so much, it means the world to me.
“There really isn’t anywhere else like it. The backbone of The Pioneer is the trustees, volunteers, community and staff who genuinely care about the future of the charity and the people who come through the doors.
“Every person who visits gets a unique experience. I know people who first came here in the 1980s, or during the iconic competitions in the 1990s, who still come back today. There aren’t many places that leave that kind of lasting impact on people, and I think that says something really special about The Pioneer.
“Its original slogan was ‘leading the way’, and I think that still rings true today. Not only is it the oldest indoor skatepark in the UK, but it’s also where I made all of my lifelong friends. I got my first pro board for Death Skateboards there, I’ve taken some heavy falls there, and I’ve also had some of the best times of my life behind those doors.
“Now, at 34 years old, seeing the place continue to shape young people and adults in the same way it shaped me feels incredibly special, almost like stepping back in time. There’s nowhere else quite like it. I just want to do my part to make sure the next generation of skateboarders has an even better experience growing up there than I did.
“Skateboarding is subjective, so naturally it means something different to every skateboarder. But I think it’s safe to say we all feel a real sense of belonging through it, which is very different from most traditional sports. There’s no winning or losing. It’s about creativity, self-expression and community. It really is something special, and I’d encourage everyone to try it at least once.”
He added: “The fundraiser Josh is running the marathon for is dedicated entirely to our new outdoor skatepark project. As a small charity and indoor skatepark, the summer months are naturally quieter because people want to be outside skating.
“Unfortunately, the outdoor facility we previously had reached the end of its lifespan and had to close last year, which was a huge blow for everyone involved with the skatepark. We’re now planning to work alongside fellow skateboarders and the incredible skatepark builders at Betong Park Ltd to create something truly unique and special for everyone who visits The Pioneer. You could say it’s a bit like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
You can sponsor Josh’s efforts here.
