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"Tartan" was the trade name of one of the first synthetic athletics surfaces in the 1960s. Today the word is widely used for any synthetic running surface made from a polyurethane binder and rubber granules. From school running lanes to World Athletics-certified stadiums, these surfaces work on the same principle: they give the athlete grip and absorb impact.
The quality of a tartan track is not decided by the top layer alone. If the soil survey, sub-base, asphalt, drainage and surface system are not designed together, even the most expensive surface will show undulations, ponding and blistering within a few years.
A standard outdoor athletics track consists of the following layers, from bottom to top:
Systems sold as "tartan" are in fact quite different from one another. The choice depends on usage intensity, budget and the target certification class:
A topographic survey, soil investigation and facility brief are prepared. The track geometry (standard 400 m track, bend radius, number of lanes), field event layout and drainage lines are drawn at this stage. If World Athletics certification is the goal, every dimension must follow that standard from day one.
Excavation, fill and compaction are completed. Composite drainage channels and inspection chambers are installed along the inner edge of the track, with levels set to the millimetre so they meet the asphalt and surface later.
Asphalt is laid with a paver and compacted. The lateral inclination towards the inside must not exceed 1%, and the overall inclination in the running direction must not exceed 0.1%. The asphalt must cure before surfacing and any low spots that hold water must be corrected.
Depending on the system, the base mat is laid, polyurethane layers are poured and EPDM granules are broadcast. Air temperature, humidity and surface moisture directly affect quality, so surfacing must be done in suitable weather.
Lane lines and markings are painted after a precise survey. If certification is planned, the independent survey and laboratory tests follow this stage.
Competition tracks are usually designed with an average thickness of 13 mm. The World Athletics performance specification considers minimum thickness together with force reduction and vertical deformation. Heavily loaded areas such as the high jump take-off zone, javelin runway and steeplechase water jump exit receive a thicker surface.
A correctly installed polyurethane track can last many years with regular care. Keeping the surface free of leaves, sand and dust, keeping drainage channels clear and keeping heavy loads off the track all extend its life. Worn surfaces can often be re-topped instead of replacing the whole system.
SFS Engineering handles every stage of athletics track construction, from groundworks to line marking, and supplies the surrounding athletics equipment from its own production.
Yes. "Tartan" is commonly used for any polyurethane-based synthetic athletics surface. Technically there are different systems such as spray coat, sandwich, full PU and prefabricated.
Depending on the base and the weather, surfacing a standard 400 m track takes a few weeks. The whole project including groundworks and asphalt is usually completed within a few months.
Yes, if the asphalt is sound, the slopes are correct and the surface is even. Cracks, settlement or level errors must be repaired, or new asphalt laid, first.
Yes. Indoor tracks also use polyurethane systems or prefabricated rubber, laid on concrete or a timber structure instead of asphalt.
Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.