Ever wonder what substance is tracks made of other than rubber? Today, tracks are well designed with multiple layers of rubber granules, rubber-based polyurethane or other binders, and a firm asphalt or concrete foundation. The material used for a running track has an impact on the safety, comfort, speed, durability and maintenance of the track.

Most of the running track systems used today are of synthetic design, which offers uniform performance across various weather conditions used in a professional or institutional setting. The surfaces of running tracks are made from a variety of materials, such as synthetic rubber, polyurethane, EPDM granules, latex-based, asphalt, or in older facilities, clay or cinder.

This knowledge of these athletic track materials can assist schools, universities, academies and sport complexes, and even government facilities, to select the appropriate track for their needs.

Materials used to make a running track

Most modern running tracks are not constructed from a single material, but rather are a multi-layered track. The only part which the athletes view and run on is a surface.

The majority of synthetic tracks are constructed over a subbed rock that is appropriately prepared of asphalt or concrete. On top of this base is a series of rubber and binding layers that offer cushioning, grip, durability and energy return.

A typical synthetic running track will have:

• An asphalt or concrete base
• SBR rubber granules
• EPDM rubber granules
• Polyurethane (PU) binder
• Primer or sealant
• The top layer is a Polyurethane or rubber layer
• PU-based line markings

The specific mix varies according to type of track, amount of use, climate, budget, and if the facility is required to be competition-level certified.

There are many runner track materials:

There are a number of materials used for running tracks. Some are found in modern tracks, others in mostly in old or recreational tracks.

1. Synthetic Rubber

One of the most prevalent materials in today’s running tracks is synthetic rubber. Rubber granules and a binding material (usually polyurethane or latex) are mixed together to produce a rubberized surface.

The rubber provides the track with a bit of flexibility and cushioning. This allows for more ease of repeated running and easier “grip” when athletes start, change direction, and change pace.

The surfaces can also be synthesized in various layers. For instance, a lower layer will have a pure SBR rubber for cushion and coloured EPDM granules are used nearer to the surface to provide strength, traction and colour.

2. Polyurethane

PU, also known as polyurethane is one of the most vital materials used in the synthesis of running track systems today. It has the function of binder and can be a major component of the performance and wear layer as well, depending on the system.

A polyurethane running track has become popular because of its ability to provide elasticity, durability, shock absorption and resistance to outdoor conditions. It has many applications in high-performance athletics facilities and in competition tracks.

There are various types of PU systems such as full-pour, sandwich and spray systems. Choosing the appropriate one is based on the use and performance needs of the facility.

3. EPDM Rubber Granules

EPDM is also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer. It is used in the surface of athletic tracks, and is a synthetic rubber.

EPDM granules can be found in various colours and sizes. They can be used to create a long-lasting surface with a good grip and maintain the track’s recognizable color.

EPDM is used in most track systems in combination with polyurethane. The PU binder is used to keep the rubber granules together and to form the finished running surface.

4. SBR Rubber

Another type of rubber material often used in track construction is called styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Occurs commonly in the lower or shock absorbing part of synthetic surfaces.

SBR rubber can be used as an underlayer under the top surface for making a resilient surface. It is especially crucial in applications where the track must be both cushioned and durable.

5. Latex

Rubber tracks were commonly used to be latex and used to be popular on athletic facilities. Here the rubber granules are joined with latex.

The properties of cushioning and performance can be achieved at a relatively low initial cost with latex surfaces. But, most often polyurethane systems have better long-term resilience and weather resistance, so it is widely used for high-performance modern tracks. 

6. Asphalt

Historically, asphalt has been used as a running surface and remains an important component of today’s synthetic tracks that are based on the asphalt.

Through use of sand or rubber mixed with asphalt, older track systems may be mixed. Asphalt surfaces with no other treatment may be harder to walk on than modern synthetic surfaces, and can become uneven with age. 

Asphalt is primarily used not for the finish, but for its under-structure properties today.

7. Clay and Cinder

Running tracks were created with natural or mineral surfaces such as clay, dirt or cinder before synthetic surfaces became popular.

Cinder tracks would be made from materials like ash, crushed material and clay. They were relatively easy to make but needed to be maintained and may be cumbersome to use after it rains.

For today’s sports facilities, these surfaces have been mostly replaced with all-weather synthetic surfaces.

What is Involved in Making a Modern Synthetic Running Track?

Understanding the materials is helpful, but also the interaction between materials is important.

A quality track isn’t just a layer of rubber that is rolled on top of the ground. These factors include the foundation, drainage, surface layers, thickness, installation and finishing.

Layer 1: The “Ground” and the “Sub-Base”

The first step in construction is to prepare the ground and establish a solid foundation. This may include civil-work layers such as compacted aggregates (depending on the project).

The aim is to provide a solid foundation with a suitable gradient for the track to be built on.

Layer 2: The second layer consists of Asphalt or Concrete Base

A structural asphalt or concrete surface then is formed to give a stable surface for the synthetic system.

This stage is very crucial as it can impact on the overall track design. However, inadequate levels or drainage may cause water to pool, wear to become uneven or develop issues with the surface in time. 

Layer 3: The Rubber Cushioning Layer

Rubber granules (e.g., SBR) can be applied as a resilient coating depending on the track system, with a binder.

This layer helps to absorb shock resulting from repetitive landings by athletes.

Layer 4: Polyurethane or EPDM Surface

Polyurethane, EPDM granules or a mixture of both can be used in the upper section.

It is the layer that the athletes wear and should have an optimum combination of grip, bounce, wear resistance and comfort.

Layer 5: Line Markings

Lastly, lane and event markings are added.

These markings do not just serve as an adornment. They are used to mark lanes, starting areas, exchange zones and other areas necessary for athletics competition.

There are several types of synthetic running track systems

Any modern athletic track material can be assembled to form a variety of construction systems. Spray-coated, sandwich and full-pour polyurethane tracks are the three commonly discussed polyurethane tracks.

Track System	Typical Construction	Best Suited For
Spray System	Rubber base with PU/EPDM surface coating	Schools, jogging and training facilities
Sandwich System	Rubber base with EPDM and PU layers	Schools, colleges and competition facilities
Full-Pour PU	Multiple polyurethane-based layers	High-performance and professional facilities
Prefabricated Rubber	Factory-made rubber rolls installed on a prepared base	Selected schools and sports facilities

The specification should be decided on the basis of the requirements of the project and not because the material being chosen is popular.

Gallant Sports, for instance, has Full PUR, Sandwich and Spray athletic track systems, where the thickness of the systems is typically in the range of 13–17 mm, depending on the specification. 

Why is Track Material Important?

The characteristics of the surface material can directly influence the feel and performance of a track.

The ideal track should offer a good amount of cushioning but not be too soft. It also must provide adequate grip to allow a player to have control when executing a rapid movement.

Athlete Comfort

With repeated running, there is a force generated with each foot strike. A better feel may be achieved by a resilient synthetic surface rather than a very hard surface.

This is especially beneficial for training facilities in which athletes train regularly.

Shock Absorption

A part of the impact can be absorbed by rubber and polyurethane systems. It is not the top material that’s going to determine the performance, it’s the full track system.

Grip and Traction

Reliable grip is required by the athlete during accelerating, braking and whilst changing direction and while running curves.

The texture and composition of the surface to be used on the top of the running track is therefore, important in choosing running track surface materials.

Weather Resistance

Outdoor tracks have to withstand the effects of changing temperatures, sunshine, rain, dust and the daily foot traffic.

Today’s man-made systems offer better all-weather playing ability than clay or cinder surfaces. 

Durability

Running track is a long-term investment! Regular training, competitions, maintenance activity and change of weather should be taken care of by the surface.

But durability is not just about the material. A track’s service life depends on its drainage and base, installation, use and maintenance.

Polyurethane Running Track vs Rubber Running Track

A frequent enquiry is if a polyurethane running track is the identical as a rubber running track.

So, it’s sometimes, but not always.

Typically, a major component of the resilient layer or granule in most synthetic track systems is rubber and a major component of the surface system is a polyurethane binder system, or the binder may be made of polyurethane.

So, rubber and polyurethane can be used in a modern track. The terms are frequently used to refer to various facets, and not entirely distinct materials.

For instance, the system might be composed of a rubber (SBR) underneath and EPDM rubber on top, and polyurethane to adhere or seal the layers.

The running track surface is crucial for a race to run smoothly

The selection of the appropriate surface should begin by analysing the use of the facility.

Consider These Factors

1. Intended use:

Will the track be used for PE classes in the school, daily training, jogging, academy training or for professional competitions?

2. Level of competition:

The requirements of a track designed for sanctioned competitions can differ considerably from those of a track designed as a recreation jogging track.

3. Climate:

When selecting materials, the following factors should be taken into account: heat, heavy precipitation, UV radiation and temperature fluctuation.

4. Drainage:

Even the best surface can experience issues as a result of inadequate water removal. So, it’s better to take the drain feature into consideration when designing.

5. Usage:

Different durability strategies are required for a school track that is used on a daily basis compared to an occasional track.

6. Maintenance:

Discuss the cleaning, inspection, repair, resurfacing, and maintenance that is anticipated prior to finalizing the material.

7. Budget:

Make sure you aren’t comparing quotations by looking at the top surface. Various costs can be involved including base, drainage, civil work, installation, markings, testing, and finishing.

Gallant Sports also notes that while discussing the surface specification, it should be part of the overall system – as an element of the asphalt sub-base, the required drainage gradient and installation quality. 

Schools should choose the most effective running track material

Each school project will be unique to its school board in terms of project solutions.

The approach to a school’s needs for a primary usage of a safe surface would be different for a school in which the primary usage is for physical education and training versus one in which the district or national level competition is the primary usage.

These are generally considered from a base of synthetic rubber or polyurethane, due to the provision of consistent surface, weather proof and cushioning.

Space, size, usage, local weather and budget, as well as competition level requirements should be taken into account in the final selection.

What’s Best Material for Sports?

In professional and high-level competition, synthetic systems with a polyurethane base are commonly employed due to their ability to be engineered to the necessary performance level.

There are certain requirements in regard to the track construction and performance which can be applied to World athletics certified facilities. As part of a fully integrated facility those factors as the surface system, base, dimensions, markings, drainage and testing should all be taken into account. 

When working on such projects, it’s the contractor’s experience along with the certification and testing that are equally significant.

Why the Base Matters as Much as the Surface

When planning a running track, it is very easy to get stuck on the visible surface of it, which may be in either red or blue. The layers below, however, are crucial as well.

It is difficult to overcome a low-quality foundation with a synthetic surface. Eventually, issues can develop if the base is unsuitable for a track, is uneven, not compacted properly, is not adequately drained, or is not properly prepared.

Applying just the surface treatment for the blacktop is not the complete track project; a professional track project should incorporate the whole construction system.

FAQs

Q1. What material are modern running tracks made of?

Ans. Synthetic rubber and polyurethane based systems are often used to manufacture modern running tracks. The composition of the track can vary between the same, with or without an SBR rubber layer and/or an EPDM granules layer, polyurethane binders, and a structural asphalt or concrete base layer. It will depend on the track system and how it will be used. 

Q2. Is a running track made of rubber?

Ans. Yes, there’s plenty of rubber in modern running tracks. Usually layers of SBR or EPDM rubber granules are used and the binder can be polyurethane or latex. Thus, most of the time, a modern rubber track is a composite of a number of engineered materials, not rubber, itself.

Q3. What material would you use for a running track?

Ans. In the world of sports, polyurethane foam can be employed in their athletic systems to offer durability, shock absorption, traction and consistent performance, making them ideal for high-performance athletic applications. However, best material varies with what the facility is used for, its budget, climate, usage and competition need.

Q4. How thick is a synthetic running track?

Ans. Each individual system and project specification will have a different thickness. Synthetic systems typically come in 13 mm or larger, and can also be thicker in certain systems, depending on the construction of the system. Several of Gallant Sports athletic track systems have an estimated 13-17 mm.

Q5. Can you use polyurethane for running tracks?

Ans. Yes. Polyurethane is one of the most common materials for the manufacturing of modern running tracks due to its elasticity, durability, shock absorbing and weather resistance properties. May be installed in various track types such as full-pour, or as a sandwich track. But the final performance will be dependent on the quality of the complete system and installation rather than only PU. 

Conclusion

Well then, what materials do runners’ tracks use? These running tracks are designed to be a modern system featuring a blend of rubber, several types of polyurethane, EPDM and SBR materials and a tough, asphalt or concrete base. Some of the older tracks may continue to be made from clay, cinder block or real asphalt but for many modern sports venues, constructed synthetic turf is preferred.

It is important to note the expense of the material isn’t always the only important factor. The surface materials used for the running track should align with the function of the facility, usage, climate conditions, budget and performance needs.

A well-designed synthetic running surface can offer the sportsperson an even, stable and comfortable running surface for years in schools and universities, academies and professional sporting venues. More important, the quality of the base, drainage and installation needs to be compatible with the base material to provide the facility with the desired performance.

Before designing a new track or replacing an old one, go through the whole system of construction and then assess it – not only the exterior material. This helps to maintain a safer track, enhance the sport one self’s encounter, and make a useful lengthy-term sports facility.