Athletics running tracks: which is right for you?

FlyStep running track manufacturer has installed numerous tracks since starting out in business – from the 2009 Guangzhou Foreign Language Standard Stadium.

When considering installing an athletics running track, one question we are most frequently asked is: What is the difference?

For the professionals

For those looking for a track suitable for professional training and competing at a high intensity usage, a pre-fabricated, solid or sandwich track provides a durable, absorbent surface. Each of these tracks are non-porous surfaces, allowing water to be removed by slope and gravitational flow to a surface drain system.

Each rubber running track type has a range of advantages dependent on your requirements and budgets.

Prefabricated running track

The Prefabricated Rubber Running Track is an environmentally friendly rubber coil with a double-layer integrated structure. The upper layer is a high toughness [wear-resistant surface layer]. The irregular pattern with a depth of 1-2mm is continuously rolled by special professional equipment. To ensure that sufficient foot friction is provided for athletes. The lower layer is the [high elastic bottom layer], a microcellular foam layer with a drop-like honeycomb structure with a reasonable inclination angle. This geometric structure fits well with the precise formula of microcellular foaming, and can provide excellent impact absorption, smooth energy transition and continuous energy feedback. After the inert gas closed cell foaming of the elastic bottom layer, numerous tiny inert gas airbags are formed to ensure the high resilience performance of the bottom layer.

It can not only ensure that it has all the functions that the traditional runway should have, but also prevent the air or volatile components from being sealed in the shock-absorbing bottom layer of the runway, thereby effectively preventing the runway from being damaged during use or under high temperature. The occurrence of bulging and delamination not only make the use of the prefabricated plastic track reliable, but also reduce the trouble of maintenance, and the service life is greatly extended as a result.

Materials: Pre-fabricated tracks are made with a layer of vulcanised rubber and latex. While a more expensive solution long-term, they provide outstanding performance characteristics, are hard wearing and require less maintenance and repairs.

Usage: Designed for all levels of training and competing and high intensity. Pre-fabricated tracks are the preferred surface for major track and field championships, including the Olympics.

Cost: More expensive than porous, sandwich or solid systems, but require less maintenance and repairs long-term.

EPDM plastic running track

The EPDM plastic running track has a layer of colored rubber particles and a black rubber bottom layer. It can be paved into an elastic, non-slip, wear-resistant and beautiful plastic floor with the combination of EPDM particles and polyurethane adhesive.

Materials: Solid tracks are made of specially formulated ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber granules, with a double polyurethane top coat.

Usage: Designed for high level competition and high intensity usage. Solid tracks have a harder surface consistency, typically preferred by elite level athletes.

Cost: More expensive than porous or sandwich systems however is a more durable surface that requires less maintenance. View more information on pitch cost here.

Hybrid plastic running track

Hybrid plastic running track, also known as traditional track, has a flat and compact structure. It is generally used in professional competition venues and is a common type of mid-to-high-end track and field stadiums.

According to customer needs, it can be divided into two types : large particle type and self-knotted type.

Materials: Hybrid plastic tracks are 'hybrid' systems, compromised of a rubber granule base, and EPDM layer and sealed with a polyurethane top coat.

Usage: Designed for use at an elite level, suitable for international athletics.

Cost: A lower cost non-porous track option. The EPDM layer can be retexturized numerous times, saving cost in the long-term.

For schools and communities…

When looking for an athletic track suitable for low-level competition and training, such as that in athletics clubs, colleges and schools, porous tracks are the most popular option. Surfaces are designed so that water will flow through the surface to the underlying sub-base, allowing moisture to filter through. Most athletics tracks will incorporate a porous aggregate sub-base and drainage system.

Our company's hybrid runway uses high-quality environmentally friendly two-component self-developed special paving materials, with a service life of more than 8 years, and has been recognized by many users for its superior physical properties and good appearance quality.

For more information on which specialized track surfaces are suitable for your facility, contact Flystep.