Athletics Tracks

The most common synthetic running track surface in the UK is a porous system. Porous tracks offer a cost-effective solution for facility providers who want to install a track facility for training and low-level local competitions – the softer surface of a porous surface makes it an ideal solution for schools and community athletics clubs. The system consists of two layers: a base made up of black rubber granules bound in polyurethane resin, and a spray finish of coloured granules and pigmented polyurethane.

Non-porous “solid” systems are designed for high-level competition and continuous use, offering a harder surface than other types of athletics tracks (as a result, this type of track is typically preferred by elite-level athletes). 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 running track surface dressing. As this type of surface is impermeable to water it relies on a fall in the track to a perimeter drain to keep the running surface free of surface water. This method of track construction produces excellent finish levels and is recognised as a first-class surface suitable for international standard athletics.

Often referred to as “hybrid” or “sandwich” systems, this type of track provides a non-porous elite-level surface at a competitive price. This surface is constructed in two layers: a base layer of black rubber granules with a polyurethane resin and flood coat, combined with a rubber surface dressing. These tracks require a fall in the track to a perimeter drain, which keeps the running surface free of surface water and improves performance. Hybrid systems are also much more durable than porous tracks, requiring less maintenance and reducing the need for repair work.