Athletics track construction in brief
In our athletics track construction service, we prepare the asphalt or concrete base with the correct falls, apply the track surfacing, and mark the lane and race lines. The track surfacing consists of SBR and EPDM granules with a polyurethane binder. We choose the system type (spray coat, sandwich or full PU) with you, based on how the track will be used and the budget.
- Standard track
- 400 mclosed oval
- Lane width
- 1.22 m ± 0.01 mWorld Athletics TR14.4
- Surfacing
- SBR + EPDMwith polyurethane binder
- Color
- Brick red, blueor a custom color
Track surfacing systems
The top surface of an athletics track consists of rubber granules held together by a polyurethane binder.
| System | Layers | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Spray coat | A mix of polyurethane and EPDM is sprayed over an SBR granule base layer. | School and training tracks |
| Sandwich | The pores of the SBR base layer are filled with polyurethane, and an EPDM granule wear layer is laid on top. | Club and municipal tracks |
| Full PU | The layers are poured polyurethane, with EPDM granules broadcast onto the surface. | Competition tracks |
How is an athletics track built? Step by step
Groundwork
The asphalt or concrete base is prepared with the correct falls, and drainage is installed.
Primer and SBR layer
After a primer that bonds to the base, an elastic SBR granule layer is laid.
Polyurethane and EPDM
Depending on the system, the polyurethane binder and the EPDM wear layer are applied.
Lines and measurement
The lane and race lines are measured and marked, and the track is opened for use.
Dimensions and planning
Standard track
A standard athletics track is a 400 m closed oval. The number of lanes is planned according to the site and the intended use.
Lane width
Under World Athletics rules (TR14.4), each lane is 1.22 m ± 0.01 m wide, including the line on the right.
Inside the track
The area inside the oval is usually a football pitch. We can surface this area with artificial grass, as described on our football pitch construction page.
Drainage
Track surfacing can be permeable or impermeable; in either case, the groundwork is planned so that rainwater runs off the track.
What to prepare when requesting a quote
- Track length and number of lanes (or the site dimensions)
- Existing base: asphalt, concrete or new build
- The system and color you want
- Whether a pitch will be built inside the track
- The organization that will use the facility (school, club, municipality)
Products we use in track projects
Omega Artificial GrassArtificial grass for the football area inside the track
2D Panel Fence SystemFlat panel fence for around the facility
Panel Fence GatePedestrian and vehicle gates for the fence line
Related services
Planning an athletics track?
Tell us the track length, the number of lanes and the condition of the base, and we will choose the system, color and line plan with you.