Athletics Track Construction

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Top-quality athletics track surface suitable for the Olympics
• More expensive than porous, sandwich, or solid systems
• Extremely durable, can withstand  extreme usage
• Maintenance friendly, no recoating required
• Non-slip
• Professional cleaning every 3 years
• Re-mark lines every 7 years
• Resurface every 10-15 years depending on usage*

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