Athletics Track Construction

McArdle Sport Tec offer a range of athletics track systems compliant with industry governing standards including:

SAPCA’s (Sport And Play Construction Association) Code of Practice, UKA (UK Athletics) TrackMark quality assurance standards, World Athletics, (formerly known as the IAAF – International Association of Athletics Federations); the international governing body for the sport of athletics.

There are different types of synthetic track surfaces available, but ultimately, they fall into two distinct categories: Porous and Non-Porous.

Whether you are looking to install an athletics track for elite international competitions or a local athletics club; we can also resurface your existing athletics track facility. McArdle Sport Tec’s team have the expertise to assist with site surveys, planning and designs, soil investigation reporting and much more.

Our experts can guide you in selecting the most suitable athletics track surface based on your requirements and budget, our goal is to deliver a facility which not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Get in Contact us to speak with our knowledgeable team to discuss your athletics track requirements.

POROUS:

Porous track surfaces are designed so that water will flow through the surface to the underlying sub-base, allowing any moisture to filter through. In most cases, the athletics track will incorporate a porous aggregate sub-base and drainage system.

POROUS TRACKS:

Porous track surfaces are a cost-effective solution for low level competition and training. This type of athletics track construction is the most popular in the UK.

The robust rubber granule base with a polyurethane topcoat provides a stable and supportive surface which is perfect for athletics clubs, colleges, and schools.

Key Points:

Cost-effective option
Popular track system perfect for schools & community facilities.
Proven energy reduction properties
Economical
50,000 athlete user hours per year
Professional cleaning every 3 years
Re-mark lines every 7 years
Surface respray every 7-10 years depending on usage*

*May require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.

NON-POROUS:

Non-porous surfaces are designed so that any water cannot penetrate the track surface. Excess water is removed by slope and gravitational flow to a surface drain system.

Types of non-porous track:

Sandwich Track
Solid Track
Prefabricated

SANDWICH TRACKS

Sandwich track ‘hybrid’ systems are an elite level, non-porous surfacing system which is more durable than porous running tracks.

A sandwich track facility comprises an additional layer of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM for short, which improves the shock absorbency properties.

The EPDM layer is applied after the rubber granule base and sealed with the polyurethane topcoat.

The main advantage of choosing a sandwich track surface is extending the track longevity. The EPDM cast can be re-texturised numerous times, which is a cost saving option in the future.

Key points:

High-quality track surface suitable for international athletics, at a competitive price
Offers many similar properties of the solid track system at a lower cost but is more expensive than a porous track
100,000 athlete user hours per year
Less inclined to develop moss, as water runs off and spores are unable to establish
Professional cleaning every 3 years
Re-mark lines every 7 years
Surface ‘re-topping’ after 7-10 years depending on usage*

*May require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.

Blue sandwich track with non-porous surfacing

SOLID TRACKS

Designed for high level competition and high intensity use, solid tracks offer a harder surface consistency, which is preferred by elite level athletes. This method of athletics track construction produces an excellent finish and meets the highest World Athletics accreditation standards. The track is made of specially formulated EPDM rubber granules with a double polyurethane topcoat.

Installing a solid track system can be relatively costly compared to porous or sandwich systems. However, in the long term, the surface is more durable and requires less maintenance.

Key Points:

High-performance track accredited to the highest standards of international competition
150,000 athlete user hours per year
Robust spike-resistant surface
More expensive than porous or sandwich systems
Less inclined to develop moss, as water runs off and spores unable to establish
Professional cleaning every 3 years
Re-mark lines every 7 years
Surface respray every 7-10 years depending on usage*

*May require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.

Green solid track with non-porous surfacing

PREFABRICATED TRACK

Unlike porous, sandwich, or solid athletics tracks which are laid ‘in-situ’, prefabricated tracks are sections of rubber matting manufactured in a factory environment and supplied to the facility in ‘ready-made’ rolls. The rolls of prefabricated mats are installed on top of a macadam base, providing a non-porous system.

The advantage of manufacturing the track at a factory is that it produces a product in a controlled environment, ensuring even thickness and performance characteristics.

Prefabricated tracks are designed for all levels of training and competing at high intensity usage, and they are the preferred surface for major track and field championships, including the Olympics.

The mats are made with a layer of vulcanised rubber and latex, providing outstanding performance characteristics. Although this system is more expensive long-term, the tracks are proven to be hard wearing and require less maintenance or repairs.

Key Points: