Running Track Questions Answered: General Acrylics FAQ

Most running track surfaces are created on site by mixing rubber with either a latex or a polyurethane binder. The ideal surface for your project depends on how the track will be used, the performance level required, your budget and long-term life cycle costs. General Acrylics offers value and quality across its Ultra-Track (latex bound) and Spurtan/Rekortan (polyurethane bound) systems.

Latex bound systems have the lowest upfront cost, making them a practical choice when budget is the deciding factor. These tracks have a shorter life cycle and are less consistently resilient across outdoor temperatures than polyurethane — softer in heat and harder in cold. They are usually installed at a depth of 3/8” or ½”, and are most often black because applying other colors costs more.

Polyurethane based surfaces cover a full range of systems offering a longer life cycle and higher performance. They are typically 13mm (1/2”) thick, except for full solid-pour systems, which vary in depth. Standard colors are track red and black, with other colors available at additional cost.

• Spurtan BS is a porous system: a paved base mat of binder and black rubber topped with two structural spray coats for wear and UV protection.
• Spurtan BSS matches Spurtan BS but adds a solid-pour polyurethane layer between the base mat and the structural spray coats, making it non-porous — so dirt, water and sand stay on top where they are easy to remove, giving a longer lasting surface and lower maintenance costs.
• The solid-pour line is non-porous, more durable, needs resurfacing less often and delivers the highest performance level.
• Spurtan BV is a “sandwich” system in which the paved base mat is covered with a top layer of solid-pour polyurethane and rubber.
• Rekortan surfaces are full-depth solid-pour polyurethane with a choice of high-performance characteristics and finishes.

The 400 meter point on a track is an imaginary line called the “measure line.” In lane one, where it sits relative to the inside lane line depends on whether the track has a raised portable or permanent inside curb of 2” or more. The requirements are precise: 20cm from the outside of the inside lane line for a flush curb, and 30cm for a raised curb. Accurate measurement is essential and nearly impossible to achieve with a wheel. If you want your track length verified or a 400 meter track designed, it's best to contact a firm with a Certified Track Builder on staff, such as General Acrylics, or a professional engineer experienced in running track construction.

Running track ovals have traditionally been built on hot mix asphalt paving, usually chosen over concrete because of its lower initial installation cost. However, asphalt soon begins to deteriorate, and structural cracks, heaving and settling start to appear. This often means the track must be fully removed and replaced even before the synthetic surface has reached the end of its usable life.

Post-tensioned concrete offers long-term value and solves the problems of asphalt paving. Post-tensioning uses steel cables within the concrete slab that are stressed and locked into place, producing a very crack-resistant, stable slab that lasts through multiple synthetic surface applications. General Acrylics has perfected a method of installing the track oval without any working joints or saw cuts, a construction approach that always delivers an advantageous life-cycle cost. It is especially recommended for areas with poor soils, limited future access for reconstruction, or where long-term value is the priority.

Long jump, triple jump and pole vault runways are almost always built of concrete. Concrete provides excellent planarity that is not possible in asphalt paving of this width, and it resists vegetation growing into the edges or beneath the runway.

Inspect your synthetic surface regularly so resurfacing can be planned at the right time. This prevents costly deterioration of the resilient layers and keeps safety as high as possible for athletes. General Acrylics is glad to provide regular inspections of your surface to keep it in top condition and help you budget for maintenance and resurfacing.

On black synthetic surfaces, watch for deeply worn areas, loose rubber, structural cracking and delamination. On colored surfaces, wear on the structural spray coats that lets the black show through after several years signals that it is time to consider re-spraying the track. The longer excessive wear is left untreated — without new spray coats or added layers of rubber and binder on latex surfaces — the more expensive the eventual fix will be. Loose rubber, deeply worn areas, cracks and delaminated surface are all potential safety issues. A surface that has become hard or too thin no longer provides the resilience or performance the system was designed for.

The biggest enemies of a running track are water, dirt and vegetation. Adjust sprinkler heads regularly to avoid repeated overspray, which causes staining and delamination. Make sure surface water can drain away and is not blocked by vegetation. Vegetation control is equally essential: uncontrolled grass and weeds can destroy the edges of an asphalt base and cause the surface to delaminate, and vegetation growing under the asphalt can create “weed bumps” that harm the surface and endanger runners. Cleaning away dirt and sand is also vital to extending the life of your track, so sweeping and washing on a regular schedule is recommended.