Things to Pay Attention to in Building a Running Track

February 18, 2022

Running is an athletic sport which is regulated entirely by World Athletics. One that is regulated by World Athletics is a running track that is used for competitions and training.

The running track recommended by this international association is rubber flooring, because it has a dynamic character and is relatively easy to maintain. The running track is divided into 2 systems based on the installation method, namely prefabricated sheet and in-situ.

PREFABRICATED SHEET

This running field has been produced in the factory, by pressing it using a special machine. This system produces a non-porous running rug and has a textured finish for increased slip resistance. Because it is made in the factory, the thickness quality and performance are uniform. The installation is simple, but requires experts, especially in gluing the carpet to the sub-base and at the carpet joints. This installation technique requires a flat sub-base using asphalt so as not to cause puddles after installation.

One of the well-known brands that offer this product is Mondo, which has become a World Athletics partner for the Olympics and world competitions. The product we recommend is the Mondo Sportflex Super X 720 K 39 which has 39% shock absorption according to World Athletics standards, and has a thickness of 13.5 mm, making it compatible with running shoes with spikes up to 12 mm.

SISTEM IN-SITU

The definition of an in-situ system is a running field that is carried out directly at the installation site. This system is divided into 3 types, namely resin-bound rubber crumb (PU paint spray coat), composite system (sandwich system), and cast elastomers (full PU).

Resin-bound rubber crumb consists of rubber granules mixed with PU resin which is fixed to a subbase at a specified thickness. After the curing process (hardening period), the layer is sprayed with PU paint so that it can withstand slippery and friction.

Composite system or commonly known as a sandwich system. This type of running field has several layers, starting from black rubber granules (SBR) which is installed on the asphalt, then the pores are closed with a pore sealer, which is then coated with PU liquid and spread colored EPDM granules. This type is softer than resin bound and water permeable.

Cast elastomer (full PU) is a unique pass because it has only one layer with EPDM grains. This track is very strong and durable and has the best level of softness among other in-situ systems.

The brand that has been trusted for this system by World Athletics is Herculan. Herculan has products for each type, such as SR National for resin-bound rubber crumb, SR Sprint for composite/sandwich system and SR Olympic for cast elastomer.

A good running track must meet performance standards such as resistance to scratches, pressure, spike-damage, UV light, water, and temperature changes. This standard of resistance will of course also affect the period of use. In addition, World Athletics (WA) also has basic standards to determine the performance and class of running tracks, namely:

• Imperfections: Imperfections on the track such as bubbles, cracks, delamination and others become the main points in determining the performance of the running track
• Evenness: The level of flatness on the track also has an effect, namely the absence of protrusions on the track with a tolerance of 6 mm every 4 meters measured. This standard exists in order to minimize standing water on the running track.
• Thickness: A running track thickness is recommended from 10 mm for comfort when running, especially with running shoes that have spikes at the bottom. The thickness of the running track must be even for a more dynamic performance. The thickness of the professional running track must pass the 1969 EN test.
• Shock Absorption: Vibration absorption is highly dependent on the temperature of the exercise area which can vary from 10 - 40 degrees, so it is recommended to have a vibration absorption between 35% - 50%. The method used to determine it is the EN 14808 test.
• Vertical Deformation: This vertical deformation will have an effect on the kinetic energy of the athlete when running. The higher the value, the softer the field, which can reduce the athlete's performance. The test for this standard is to follow the EN 14809 method.
• Friction: A good running track must be able to meet the friction tests of EN 13036 Part 4 and EN 14903, in order to minimize the athlete slipping while running, especially when the track is wet. According to World Athletics, the coefficient of dynamic friction should not be less than 0.5 in wet conditions.
• Tensile Properties: This standard can be met by selecting materials for the right trajectory in terms of proportion, material, and size, as well as their installation starting from curing time, how to install and others. Not only to guarantee track performance, this standard is also to guarantee durability for long periods of use. This standard is determined through the EN 12230 . test
• Color: There is no mandatory color specified on the running track, however World Athletics always uses red on the running track with white stripes. The specified standard is the evenness of coloring in the entire area of ​​the running track.
• Drainage: According to World Athletics, a good running track is judged if it can completely dry a running track that is completely waterlogged for 20 minutes, which of course can be achieved through proper drainage construction. We recommend that the running track has a slope of 0.5% - 1% towards the inner court.

If you meet the performance standards set by World Athletics, then your running track is ready to be used professionally. However, if you need expert assistance to build a running track, contact us immediately to make it happen.