Specialized running track designs ensure a better practice and tournament experience for athletes and fans alike. At first glance, it may seem like all track and field designs are the same, but in reality, there are several unique factors that must be addressed. 

While planning your facility renovation project, here are some helpful ideas to point your project in the right direction. 

Define Your Primary Athletic Needs

Designing your project around the needs of your athletes is a great place to begin. For example, if you would like to design a multi-use track and field for your high school, a running track that only features 6 or fewer lanes may be adequate, while simultaneously ensuring that you have enough space for the central turf layout. Alternatively, if you are planning a college track that will host top-tier track tournaments, you may require a competitive 8 lane design that allows more athletes to compete. 

Additionally, the layout of your track design can be further refined to cater to certain event preferences. For instance, if your facility frequently hosts short-distance and hurdle events, a track design that features longer straight sections will allow athletes to reach top speeds before hitting the turn. For mid and long-distance events, a track that features wider curves or inclined banks can reduce joint fatigue and strain injuries. 

Other key athletic considerations to keep in mind while planning your running track improvement project include: 

  • Do you have a dedicated space for athletes to warm up and stretch? 
  • Will you need to allocate space alongside the track for other sports like long-jumping, javelin, and shotput?
  • Will you require a custom striping design to support other sports like football, soccer, or lacrosse?

Find The Best Surface Type For Your Facility

With a general layout in mind, you can then begin exploring potential surface options for each of the corresponding areas. While deciding which surface types are best for your facility’s needs, there are several characteristics to keep in mind such as weather, cost, maintenance, and overall athletic use.

If you’re planning an indoor track, you can opt for surface types like coated synthetics and rubber running track surfaces that enhance shock absorption and foot traction. Since maintenance costs are lower and damaging weather is not a factor, you may be able to allocate more of your budget for a higher-quality track material.

Outside, you can choose from weather-resistant options like rubber, asphalt, and polyurethane. While shock absorption and foot traction are still key considerations, finding a surface material and coating that is specifically designed for inclement weather conditions is vital to the longevity and performance of your facility. 

If you would like a multipurpose area for warm-ups, stretching, and safer games, indoor artificial turf is a low cost and versatile update for every space. To compare each of these various surface types in detail, reach out to our experts at Keystone Sports Construction for a side-by-side material breakdown today.