Athletics Track Surfaces
Ekip Grass supplies and installs polyurethane running track surfaces for stadiums, schools and training centres. Our Ekip Flex synthetic surface, a non-porous sandwich system 15.0 mm thick, holds World Athletics product certificate S-20-0284, valid to December 2028. The same surface can be used for runways, jump areas and warm-up lanes.
- S-20-0284World Athletics product certificate, to Dec 2028
- 15.0 mmEkip Flex, sandwich, non-porous
- 1.22 mLane width for races up to 400 m
- EPDM in cast PU
- SBR base mat
- Asphalt
Short answer
Which track system should you choose?
- Competition tracks: a non-porous sandwich system such as Ekip Flex, with a uniform cast polyurethane wearing layer for heavy spike use.
- Schools and training tracks: a porous spray-coat system costs less and lets rain drain through the surface.
- Aiming for a certified stadium: use a certified product and plan the base for the World Athletics facility survey from the start.
Track system types
Three ways to build a track
Sandwich
A base mat of SBR granules bound with polyurethane is laid on the asphalt and sealed. A cast polyurethane layer goes on top, with EPDM granules broadcast into it. The result is non-porous with a uniform wearing surface.
Ekip Flex is this type: 15.0 mm thick, World Athletics product certificate S-20-0284.
Full polyurethane
The whole thickness is poured polyurethane, finished with EPDM granules. It is non-porous and dense, and sheds water through the cross-slope into the drainage channels.
Spray-coat
An SBR base mat is sprayed with a polyurethane and EPDM texture. It is porous, so water drains through the surface, and it is generally used for training tracks and schools.
Side by side
Track systems compared
| Sandwich | Full polyurethane | Spray-coat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porous | No | No | Yes |
| Wearing layer | Cast PU with EPDM | Poured PU with EPDM finish | Sprayed PU and EPDM texture |
| Rain | Runs off to the drains | Runs off to the drains | Drains through |
| Typical use | Competition and training | Competition | Training, schools |
| Ekip Flex | This type, 15.0 mm | — | — |
World Athletics certification
Product certificate and facility certificate
World Athletics runs two separate steps. A product certificate confirms that a synthetic surface material passed laboratory tests against the World Athletics performance specifications, including force reduction, vertical deformation, friction and tensile properties. Ekip Flex holds product certificate S-20-0284, based on laboratory testing in 2024.
A facility certificate, Class 1 or Class 2, is issued to a specific stadium after its geometry, slopes, surface thickness and markings are measured on site. A certified product is required for a facility certificate, but it does not certify the track by itself. The base works and the installation decide whether the finished track passes.
Source: World Athletics technical information (certified products list).
- Product certificateEkip Flex · S-20-0284 · valid to December 2028.
- Base surveyFlatness and slopes of the asphalt are checked before surfacing.
- InstallationThe surface is built at the certified thickness.
- Facility certificateClass 1 or 2, after the finished track is measured on site.
Planning
Track geometry
For races up to 400 m each lane is 1.22 m wide (± 0.01 m), measured to the outer edges of the lines. World Athletics limits the lateral slope to 1:100 and the overall downward slope in the running direction to 1:1000, so the asphalt is surveyed before the polyurethane goes down. The asphalt must cure first, and polyurethane work needs dry weather and suitable temperatures.
| Lane width | 1.22 m ± 0.01 m |
|---|---|
| Lateral slope | Max 1:100 |
| Slope in running direction | Max 1:1000 downward |
| Ekip Flex thickness | 15.0 mm |
| Product certificate | S-20-0284 · to Dec 2028 |
From survey to first race
How we build a track
Survey
We survey the existing base or the new site and agree the events to include.
Asphalt base
Dense asphalt is laid to the slope limits and left to cure.
Base mat
The SBR and polyurethane base mat is laid and sealed.
Wearing layer
Cast polyurethane goes on with EPDM granules broadcast into it.
Lines and handover
Lines are marked; the track is ready for a facility survey if you aim for one.
Maintenance
Track maintenance
Routine cleaning
Remove dust, leaves and spike debris with a sweeper or low-pressure washing. Keep vehicles off the track or protect it with boards.
Wear points
Inspect lanes 1 and 2, the bends and the take-off areas, where wear is fastest, and repair damage early. Repaint lines over time to keep them accurate.
Other sports
Surfaces for other sports
Questions
Questions about athletics track surfaces
Is Ekip Flex certified by World Athletics?
Ekip Flex, a non-porous sandwich synthetic surface 15.0 mm thick, holds World Athletics product certificate S-20-0284, valid to December 2028. A product certificate covers the surface material. A stadium also needs its own facility certificate, Class 1 or Class 2, which is issued after the finished track is measured on site. We plan the base and installation with that survey in mind.
Sandwich or spray-coat: which should we choose?
A sandwich system has a cast polyurethane wearing layer, so it is non-porous, uniform and suited to competition tracks with heavy spike use. A spray-coat track is porous and lower in cost, and it suits schools and training facilities. Consider the level of competition, budget, expected use and whether rain should drain through the surface or run off it.
Can athletes train on the track in the rain?
Yes. A non-porous track sheds water through its cross-slope into the drainage channels, and a porous track drains through the surface. Both stay usable in rain, although standing water in low spots shows that the base or the drains need attention. Polyurethane installation itself must be done in dry conditions.
How should a synthetic track be maintained?
Clear dust, leaves and spike debris regularly with a sweeper or low-pressure washing. Keep vehicles off the track, or protect it with boards if they have to drive on it. Wear is fastest in lanes 1 and 2, on the bends and at the take-off boards. Check those spots and repair damage early. Line markings need repainting over time to stay accurate for competition.
What do you need to quote a track?
Tell us the track type (a 400 m oval with a number of lanes, or a straight sprint lane), the field events to include, the location and whether a new asphalt base is needed. If you aim for a World Athletics facility certificate, mention the class. A survey or drawing of the existing base helps us estimate levelling work.
Planning a running track?
Send us the track type, the events and the site. We reply with the system, the build-up and a quote.
- Oval or straight, number of lanes
- Field events to include
- Country and city
- New or existing asphalt
- Facility class, if any