Athletics Track Construction & Refurbishment

Here at CLS Sports we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality sports facilities. We have a vast amount of experience in constructing and installing Athletic tracks which our clients are very proud of. Our goal is always to provide the best service possible and work alongside clients to get what they want just right. We are a SAPCA certified Principal Contractor for the construction of athletics tracks and build facilities to UKA and World Athletics standards (formally IAAF). 

If you are looking to start an athletics track construction and installation project or refurbish your existing facility we can help you with all your sports facility needs. We have a wealth of experience working with schools, athletics clubs and elite international competition venues.  From the planning and design to construction and fully installing the athletic tracks we will be working alongside you to make sure everything is how you want it to be. We take into consideration all the steps of construction of an athletics track from the design and planning to the final stage which includes installing the correct surfacing suited to your needs and any equipment you may need such as hurdles, netting, fencing, floodlighting and spectator areas. 

There are many different types of synthetic athletic track surfaces all with different qualities. Although there may be lots to offer the tracks fall into two distinct categories: Porous and Non-Porous. 

Porous Tracks

Porous track surfaces are designed so that any water will flow through the surface to the sub-base which allows any moisture to flow through it. It is most common that athletics tracks will incorporate a porous aggregate sub-base and drainage system to allow for any water to run through the track keeping it safe for athletes and users.

Porous athletic track surfaces are a cost effective solution for community standard facilities, high  use areas and training. These types of Athletic Tracks are the most popular in the UK. . 

The robust rubber surface base with polyurethane topcoat provides a stable and supportive surface which is perfect for athletics clubs, colleges and schools with the number one priority being athletes and users safety at all times. 

Things to know:

  • Cost-effective option

  • Popular track system perfect for schools and lower level athletes

  • Proven energy reduction properties

  • Economical 

  • 50,000 athlete user hours per year

  • Professional cleaning every three years

  • Re-marking every 7 years

  • Surface respray every 7-10 years depending on usage

  • Repairs may be needed to heavy wear areas.

athletic track design
athletic track construction
athletic track systems

Non-Porous Tracks

Non-porous track surfaces are designed so that  water cannot break through the track surface. Excess water is removed by slope and gravitational flow to a surface drainage system.

There are three types of non-porous tracks: sandwich tracks, solid tracks and prefabricated tracks.

Sandwich Tracks

Sandwich tracks are hybrid systems that are used at an elite level. Non-porous tracks are more durable than porous tracks which means that athletes can use them more frequently throughout the year.

A sandwich track facility comprises an additional layer of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM for short, which improves the shock absorbency properties of the track so that it is more durable.

The key advantage of choosing a sandwich track surface is extending the track's longevity. The EPDM cast can be re-texturised numerous times which is a cost saving option in the future. So while you may be paying more at the beginning of the project in the long run it is worth it.

Things to know:

  • High quality track surface suitable for international athletics at a competitive price
  • Offers many similar properties of the solid track system at a lower cost but is more expensive than a porous track
  • 100,000 athlete user hours per year
  • Less inclined to develop moss as water runs off the track and not through it
  • Professional cleaning every three years
  • Re-marking every seven years
  • Resurfacing after 7-10 years depending on usage

Solid Tracks

Designed for high level competition and high intensity use, solid tracks offer a harder surface consistency which is preferred by elite level athletes. This method of athletics track construction provides an excellent finish and meets the highest World Athletics accreditation standards. The track is made of specially formulated EPDM rubber granules with a double polyurethane topcoat.

Installing a solid track system can be relatively expensive compared to porous or sandwich tracks. However in the long term the surface is so much more durable and requires much less maintenance.

Things to know:

  • High performance track accredited to the highest of standards of international competition
  • 150,000 athlete user hours per year
  • Robust spike running shoe resistant surface
  • More expensive than porous or sandwich systems
  • Less likely to develop moss due to water running off the track and not through it
  • Professional cleaning every three years
  • Track re-marking every 7-10 years depending on usage

 

Prefabricated Tracks

Unlike porous, sandwich and solid athletics track which are laid ‘in-situ,’ prefabricated tracks are sections of rubber matting that are manufactured in a factory setting and then transported to the facility in ‘ready made’ rolls. The rolls of prefabricated mats are installed on top of a macadam base making it a non-porous system.
Prefabricated tracks are designed for all levels of training and competing at high intensity usage. This type of surface is preferred for major track and field championships including the Olympics.
 
The mats are made with a layer of vulcanised rubber and latex which provides for outstanding performance characteristics. Although this system is more expensive long-term than the others mentioned, the tracks are proven to be hard wearing and require much less maintenance and repairs. 
 
Things to know:
  • Top quality athletics track surface suitable for the Olympics
  • More expensive than porous, sandwich and solid track systems
  • Extremely durable and can withstand extreme conditions
  • Maintenance friendly and no recoating required
  • Non-slip so is perfect for healthy and safety of athletes and users
  • Professional cleaning every three years
  • Re-marking needed every seven years
  • Resurfacing every 10-15 years depending on usage

For more information on how Cleveland Land Services can provide you with the best athletic tracks and facilities get in touch with us today.

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