For schools, colleges, sports academies, and stadiums, selecting an appropriate type of an athletic track surface is an essential choice to make. A right construction of the athletic track can enhance the convenience of running and can create more runner’s grip and support for the athlete in their training and competition.

Synthetic tracks are commonly used these days since it is more consistent and durable than a dirt or cinder track. In fact, not all running tracks are constructed of the same material. Rubber tracks, polyurethane (PU) tracks, and jogging tracks vary on different characteristics, prices, and uses.

This article will discuss mostly common tracks, the materials used for making tracks, and the selection of the appropriate material for a running track for your facility in India.

What are the various kinds of sports tracks?
There are two types of surfaces to be found in athletic tracks: natural and synthetic. The natural surfaces are grass, clay and cinder, and most modern sports fields feature synthetic one’s rubber granules and binding.

The most popular choices are:

• Rubber running tracks
• Polyurethane (PU) tracks
• EPDM synthetic tracks
• Spray-coated tracks
• Sandwich-system tracks
• Jogging tracks

For each surface, there is a distinct function. Some are professionally created athletes; others are more appropriate for school, community parks, or recreational running.

• Rubber Running Tracks

An example of the most common track is the rubber running track, which is used in schools, colleges, and sports training facilities. They come in a two-part composition of rubber granules and a binding substance to give the surface flexibility and resilience.

There are 2 commonly used types of rubber:

• SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber): This is typically recycled rubber and is generally used for the base layer as it offers cushioning and shock absorption.
• The surface layer is often made of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which is a type of synthetic rubber. It provides a high level of colour, weather, and surface traction.

Run-off improvements: 

• Reduce impact and cushion during running.
• Provide good footing for frequent exercise and running.
• It comes in various colors, from individual to red, green, and blue.
• Resistance to changing weather and suitable for outdoor facilities.
• Adaptable in various thickness according to the application.

Where can they be used?

School playgrounds, colleges, community sports facilities or recreational running areas are good applications for rubber running tracks. The precise system will certainly need to be chosen based on the extent of activity and functionality requirements.

• Polyurethane (PU) tracks

In today’s synthetic sports tracks, polyurethane or PU or PUR is widely used. It has flexibility, durability, and a consistent surface to enable it to be used for professional training and competition.

PU tracks are made with the addition of rubber granules or other compatible material to the polyurethane resin. The surface may vary based on the construction technique used and possess varying layers and performance traits.

Main Types of PU Track Systems

• Full PU System

A full PU track incorporates polyurethane based material throughout its construction, when specified shall be carried out with a suitable EPDM granule finish. Has a smooth finish and uniform performance, and frequently uses it in a professional sports venue.

Key features:

• Very resistant and rubbery material.
• Consistent running surface.
• Good shock absorption.
• Ideal for advanced training and competition.
• Initial construction cost is higher than economical systems. 

• Sandwich System

A sandwich track is a track consisting of a base layer of rubber and a finishing layer of polyurethane. Typically, the base is made of SBR rubber granules and the top layer of PU binder and EPDM granules.

It has multi-layered construction that shares the benefits of performance and cost.

Key features:

• Very good shock absorbency and cushioning.
• Sturdiness of surface for all-purpose athletic surfaces.
• Ideal for sports academies, schools and colleges.
• In various colours and options. 

• Spray-Coated System

Spray coated track usually has an SBR rubber base and a spray finish consisting of polyurethane and EPDM rubber. An affordable choice for facilities where an acceptable synthetic surface is desired without expensive investment in a top quality full-PU system.

Key features:

• Compared to the premium systems, it’s cheaper.
• Offers a bumpy surface to allow kids to run.
• Can be used in training facilities and pick up school projects.
• Needs to be installed correctly and regularly checked.

The Sports Authority of India has also mentioned three forms of synthetic athletic tracks which are commonly used namely Full PUR, Sandwich and Spray systems in their handbook on infrastructure. 

• EPDM synthetic tracks

The coloured rubber granules used for EPDM track use help create an anti-slip and weatherproof surface. It is most commonly applied on top of other synthetic track material, so as to serve as the exposed wearing surface of synthetic track systems in athletic fields.

It’s appreciated for versatility, variety of colours and resistance to the weather.

Benefits of EPDM Surfaces

• Sun and weather resistant.
• Come in various colours.
• Supplies traction by giving them a textured surface.
• May be used to combine with SBR and PU materials.
• Applies to schools, jogging trails and recreational sports facilities.

There’s one thing to remember about the two types of materials: EPDM and PU can seldom be seen as an “either-or” type. Many of the modern athletic tracks use both. The rubber granules come from EPDM, and the binder comes from PU.

• Jogging Tracks, a workable alternative to fitness

Jogging tracks are developed for the individuals who wish to have a walk, jog or run at a comfortable level. They are not necessarily to be a track built to competition levels like those for professional athletics.

Usually, they are taken up in parks, schools, residential societies, universities and fitness centres.

There are several options of materials that are used to make the floor on a common jogging track.

• EPDM Rubber Flooring

EPDM rubber flooring will offer a textured and comfortable surface. It is a popular option for outdoor jogging pathway due to its cushioning and in various colours.

• PU Flooring

A soft and smooth surface finish is achieved with PU floor. May be used for jogging tracks with consideration to durability, surface consistency and modified use.

• Asphalt-Based Tracks

The road of asphalt is suitable for recreational running paths as a firm and economic base. But it is less cushioning and beneath the feet as hard as synthetic rubber surfaces.

What Makes a Good Jogging Track?

To have a good jogging track you need to have:

• Regular walking and running surface that is comfortable.
• Good grip to minimise the chance of foot slipping off.
• Sufficient drainage for no standing water.
• Appropriate room for traffic to flow in both directions.
• Markings that are easily interpreted and edges that are safe to walk along.
• Strong surface and withstands heavy traffic.

In case of residential societies and parks, the focus needs to be on comfort; accessibility and easy maintenance rather than professional competition specification.

Comparison of Different Athletic Track Types

Comparison of the features of the rubber, PU & jogging track systems, makes it easier to decide which to use.

Track type	Main material	Best suited for
Rubber track	SBR and EPDM granules	Schools and training
Full PU track	Polyurethane and EPDM finish	Professional athletics
Sandwich track	SBR, PU and EPDM	Colleges and academies
Spray-coated track	SBR base with PU finish	Schools and training
EPDM surface	EPDM rubber granules	Jogging and recreational areas
Asphalt track	Bituminous concrete mix	Simple recreational running tracks

Note: The following are general applications. The overall value of the final performance will be determined by the track system, thickness, base preparation and installation.

Selecting The Best Running Track Material?

Choosing the correct surface should not only take into account the cost of materials. The facility owner should be aware of the usage level of the track, and the type of performances required of it.

So, here are six factors to take heed of.

• The intended purpose of the track

To begin with, determine the key purpose of the facility.

• If you are looking for a system for professional times, use a system of the Full PU or a certified synthetic system.
• Sandwich or spray systems might be suitable for the school athletic system or for normal training.

For parks and residential societies: EPDM walking surface is a good choice.

• Long-Term Costs and Budget

A lower cost surface will be less costly as an initial investment but will need to be considered in terms of the longevity, repair issues and maintenance costs of the surface selected.

Compare the full project costs as opposed to just the price of the material alone.

• Weather Conditions

In India, the athletic track faces several weather conditions such as extreme temperature, heavy rainfall, and temperature changes. 

Select UV and weather resistant material. Drainage is also extremely influential, especially in places where there is a lot of rain.

• Base Preparation

The foundation is a key component of the building of an athletic track. The imperfect foundation can result in an improper functioning synthetic surface.

Base may be asphalt or concrete, depending upon the system. It is important to use a correct levelling, compaction and drainage prior to installation of the synthetic layers.

• Safety; Running Comfort

Shock absorption, surface grip and elasticity have an impact on the running experience. The surface should cushion and be firm enough for the users.

• Installation Quality

Just as a good product can be otherwise destroyed if it is not installed properly, sunlight can also disrupt an attractive looking installation if it is not properly installed. Always seek to have references of the project your contractor has worked on, their quality control and their material specification.

Understanding the construction of an athletic track

There are multiple steps to constructing an athletic track. If each stage is not carried out correctly it will cause the surface to become unstable, unsafe and not durable.

The following is a simple explanation of the construction process: 

• Inspection, planning of the sites: Construction crew confirms space and soil conditions; construction of tracks and drainage.

• Choosing the type of foundation and digging: The selection of the foundation type and preparation of the ground for solutioning the foundation.

• Base construction: It refers to the preparation of an asphalt or concrete base that is a part of the selected track system.

• The installation of rubber layer: According to the requirement, SBR rubber granules are mixed with a suitable binder (PU) and laid down in a layer.

• Application on top layer: EPDM granules (or a polyurethane finishing layer) are applied to the top layer, as prescribed in the system specification.

• Line marking: Running lanes, etc. suitable line marking added as necessary.

• Final inspection: Surface checked for consistency, surface finishing, drainage and quality prior to opening the facility.

The required thickness and number of layers is dependent upon the system chosen. The levelling, mixing and application of the track should be left to professionals as small errors can have a significant impact on the track performance.

Maintenance Tips to increase Athletic Tracks life

Usually, synthetic tracks are easier to maintain than the conventional dirt or cinder tracks. But regular care must be done to ensure the surface is maintained and no costly repairs are done.

These are some basic maintenance methods:

• Clear frequently: Regularly dispose of the dust, the leaves, mud and other dirt on the track.
• Don’t permit heavy vehicles: Car or construction vehicles should not be passed over the running surface.
• Check for damage: Ensure that there aren’t any rips, cracks or weakness in the track anywhere or at any point. 
• Maintain drainage system flowage clear: Do not have water collected in drainage areas.
• Use proper materials to clean: Avoid using harsh materials, chemicals or tools that may scratch.
• Do repairs early: Make repairs at the earliest possible time to prevent the area of minor damage from expanding into secondary damage.

Maintenance of the track throughout the years, including regular inspection and necessary repairs, will benefit in maintaining appearance, grip and performance of the track.

Why Invest in the Services of Professional Athletics Track Construction?

Any sports facility will be an asset which has to be invested in for an extended period of time. While material selection is significant, construction quality is vital in determining the material’s performance capabilities.

You can get an experienced provider of sports infrastructure services to take care of these things:

• Choosing the appropriate track system for the application at hand and finance.
• Aims and planning the layout and lane markings of the track.
• Making sure the base is set correctly and adequate drainage provided.
• Hanging the proper rubber and polyurethane linings.
• Adhering to certain technical requirements.
• Arranging assistance for maintenance/renovation.

Gallant Sports & Infra Pvt. Ltd is committed to providing solutions for athletic tracks to meet the needs of sports facilities, such as schools, colleges and sports academies.

The emphasis is on material selection, the properly finished materials, and installing the surfaces to ensure long-lasting durability and performance to meet project needs.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the ideal material for an athletic running track?

Ans. In contemporary athletic tracks, polyurethane (PU), EPDM and SBR rubber were being generally utilized. It’s challenging to come up with the best choice, depending on the facility’s use, budget, weather patterns, desired performance, etc. A “full PU system” is preferred for professional competition facilities.

Q2. What is the difference between a rubber track and a PU track?

Ans. Rubber Tracks normally employ rubber granules, like SBR or EPDM to create a pad of rubber. PU track is a type of track that is made from a polyurethane resin as a binder or structural material and offers flexibility, durability and consistent track performance. A large percentage of today’s tracks use a mixture of both materials.

Q3. What’s the difference between Full PU and a Sandwich athletic track?

Ans. A Full PU track means the entire track is constructed using polyurethane after application of the product. A sandwich track is a track made with an SBR rubber base with a PU and EPDM finishing layers. Sandwich systems have a good price/performance balance, while full PU systems tend to be more costly.

Q4. What should be the thickness of the synthetic athletic track?

Ans. Thickness will be based on the track system which is used and the application the track is to be used for. There are various 13–17 mm synthetic track systems, but many of them are based on these dimensions. For competition facilities, the technical requirements and certifications must comply with existing technical requirements and specifications.

Q5. Can synthetic jogging tracks support the weather condition in India?

Ans. Yes. If properly designed synthetic jogging tracks will be able to work well in Indian weather conditions. The quality of material, however, is important, as are the UV resistance, drainage and professional installation, particularly when heavy rainfall and high temperatures are experienced in such areas.

Conclusion

Getting it right with an athletic track is finding out the needs of the people using it. The rubber track has applications in normal training and recreational run as it provides benefits in competitive activities, while PU systems have applications in sports, and EPDM jogging surface is suitable for parks and residential fitness facilities.

When embarking on a project to build a new athletic track, think about the purpose, available funds, climate, and foundation and maintenance issues. Primarily, collaborate with an expert track building firm that is acquainted with the technical requirement of various track systems.

Over a well-designed and professionally prepared running track is more than a sports surface. It provides a safe, comfortable and durable environment for all competitive athletes, students and fitness lovers to keep active and maximize their playing potential.