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RUNNING TRACK INSTALLATION

Updated: Apr 11, 2019

Symbol Sports knows that quality running track installation begins from the ground up – so that is where we start. Construction of surfaces begins by building a roadway with a stone base and two layers of asphalt, along with an interior trench drain. The top course is smoother, creating a better bond between the track surface and the asphalt.

Proper asphalt application during sports track installation is crucial to constructing a regulation running track per the standards set forth by the governing bodies of NFHSA, the IAAF, and ASBA. Extensive attention is given to the slope and planarity requirements. To ensure long life and integrity, the base and asphalt are bound by an interior and exterior concrete curb during the running track construction.

A 400-meter, regulation, eight-lane track with typical-sized event areas is approximately 5,500 square yards in size. Runways and throwing pads included in the track field design are preferably constructed of concrete rather than asphalt.


Adequate draining is crucial to maintaining the integrity and longevity of a synthetic track surface and its sub-base material. Because of this, Tracks running track design includes a respective drainage structure. The system typically runs along the interior of the track and primarily captures and drains rain water. It can also perform as a water collection system for the athletic field.

Including a continuous inlet drain during sports track construction offers superior draining capabilities, increased field of play, a lack of hazardous point inlets on the athletic field, a buffer zone for turf encroaching on the track surface, as well as an aesthetic outline of the track.

Depending on the selected SymbolTracks running system, the sports track construction uses a paved-in-place, sandwich, or full-pour method. Once the base construction and drainage systems are completed during the initial running track construction for paved-in-place systems, including , the black bottom layer of polyurethane-bound rubber granules is installed. Next, a spray-applied coat of polyurethane and EPDM granules. For sandwich systems, the sports track installation begins with the same black rubber basemat, followed by the application of the quality pore sealer, full-pour polyurethane, and finally topped with EPDM granules. Full-pour sports track installations follow the same steps as the sandwich systems, but produce more layers, creating ideal running surfaces for Olympic, collegiate, and high school facilities.

Symbol Sports Design Team specializes in designing running tracks for all types of projects. Before the client selects a product, surface colors, or even field event area locations, the Symbol Sports Design Team discusses all options available for the client. Symbol Sports surveying team analyzes the land and gets a full picture of the constrains of the area. This allows for the sports track to be constructed perfectly under the existing conditions and the limitations of the grounds.

Once this is established, the Symbol Sports Design Team shares the best way for a client to get the most out of the investment. Each track field design is tailored to the individual needs of every customer. The client relays exactly what is wanted, and the team offers every available option for the project, including the maximum running track surface size, number of running track lanes, distinct radius sizes, and drainage options. Additionally, the level of competition that takes place is considered before the team starts to work on the design – a harder surface provides a faster track, ideal for competition running track design, while a softer track surface is perfect for a practice track for the facility.

Throughout the process, the Symbol Sports Design Team deals with the client and supplies sample renderings that exemplify what the future sports track facility will look like. The team and the client continue to discuss options until a final design has been completed and all parties have agreed to it. This is the case with distinct types of delivery methods, including Design-Build projects.

Whether a client is looking for a six-lane, non-competitive running track or an Olympic-level surface, the Symbol Sports Design Team delivers the solution for every client’s needs and ensures the future Symbol Tracks running track is perfectly delivered, from track and field design to completion.

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