Achieving Perfection: Choosing the Best Athletics Track Surface & Materials

World-class athletes strive for perfection when preparing for competition. But the aspiration for high performance is not just confined to the elite level; it can also be seen at local clubs when they select core components for their athletics facilities, such as running track surfaces.

Knowledge of the different options available and an understanding of the demands of athletes is crucial to the entire process. There is no ‘one size fits all’.

Because of the different options available, it’s key to seek out the manufacturer’s advice when developing a athletics track surface. This will allow you to maximise your investment, achieving a blend of performance and longevity.

The devil is in the details for any new sports surface project or upgrade.

With athletics tracks, however, these details take on even greater significance. This includes having the right on-site facilities for athletes, judges, spectators and anyone else attending an event, as well as ensuring measurements are exact to specification. For instance, the curves on an outdoor 400-metre track must have a radius between 36.5m and 38.5m to the inside lane’s running line, with lane markings of 5cm.

Crowded scheduling common to athletics often sees multiple events taking place at the same time. This makes safety another critical factor. Modern stadiums must be built in such a way that no event will disrupt another if run at the same time. With such small margins for error, getting precise sizes and measurements right, alongside getting planning decisions right, jumps to the top of the agenda. This is why SIS Pitches advocates a full project management approach.

Alongside precision, another key decision to be made is the choice of surface.

When it comes to athletics tracks, athletics track surface material can significantly impact performance, maintenance and the overall experience for those competing. There are different options that provide very different experiences, so choosing the right one is important.

There are two types of running track surfaces: porous and non-porous. Porous tracks, made from rubber granules with an open-graded binder, are cost-effective and offer excellent drainage, making them ideal for schools and community facilities.

This was something we were able to provide for Thornes Park Athletics Stadium, which had a porous track installed in 2024. The installation can endure up to 50,000 athlete user-hours per year. The softer surfaces found in porous tracks make them better suited to recreational-level competition, with less strain on the joints for competitors. On the other hand, they require more frequent running track maintenance and resurfacing.

Non-porous tracks are sealed with a binder to prevent moisture penetration, providing a more durable and consistent surface. This is perfect for professional sports and high-usage areas, such as facilities hosting frequent events and competitions. Solid systems have a non-porous full-depth construction comprising two layers: a base polyurethane flood coat layer with rubber granules and a final flood layer of polyurethane topped with a rubber surface dressing. While non-porous tracks have a higher initial cost, they also require less maintenance and offer better protection against changing weather conditions.

Another option is the hybrid or sandwich system, which offers a non-porous, elite-level athletics track surface at a competitive price. This type of track is constructed in two layers: a base layer of black rubber granules with a polyurethane resin and flood coat, topped with a rubber surface dressing.

These tracks are designed with a slight slope towards a perimeter drain, ensuring the running track surface remains free of water. Hybrid systems are also more durable than porous tracks, requiring less maintenance and reducing the need for repairs.

Even armed with the right knowledge, you will skill need a skilled team to get the most out of your investment. Overseeing a project from start to finish requires an approach that blends technical knowledge when it comes to materials, experience of building running tracks, and a perfect understanding of all rules and regulations in place for various competitions that are hosted at different facilities.

Choosing the right running track surface can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. Our global network of in-house experts and consultants will guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience. With a single point of contact, we make the entire process seamless. From start to finish, we help to give you peace of mind and delivering a world-class athletics facility without the hassle.