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Not every athletics track needs to host an Olympic final, but a track that will host official competitions with international validity needs a certificate. The World Athletics Class 2 certificate meets this need with a simpler process and is the most realistic target for club, university, municipal and regional facilities.
Class 2 facilities are used for national championships, competitions with international participation and events for which World Athletics does not require Class 1. The class required by each competition is stated in its technical regulations. The certificate also matters for the international recognition of performances achieved at the venue.
Unlike Class 1, Class 2 does not require an accredited laboratory to test performance values such as force reduction and vertical deformation on site; surface compliance is shown by the product certificate and installation quality. Always check the current World Athletics certification procedures for the latest document list.
For an existing track, first identify the surface type, age and product certificate status. The track geometry and field event facilities are checked with a quick survey and any gaps are listed.
The most common gaps are worn lines, non-compliant take-off boards, landing pit dimensions, throwing cages and sector lines. If needed, equipment such as take-off boards and hammer and discus cages is replaced.
Worn or misplaced lines are repainted before the survey. Starts, relay zones and hurdle marks must be accurate to the millimetre.
Track length along the measurement line, lane widths, lateral and running-direction inclinations, field event sectors and layout are measured and recorded.
The file is usually submitted to World Athletics through the national federation. A compliant facility is issued a Class 2 certificate and added to the list of certified facilities.
Facility certificates are valid for up to five years, which may be shorter depending on surface age. Extension is possible after re-assessment; Class 2 renewal checks are more limited than Class 1. As the surface ages, re-topping becomes necessary.
Yes. If the surface is a certified system suitable for Class 1 and can pass in-situ tests, the missing equipment can be completed and accredited laboratory tests carried out to apply for Class 1. That is why, for new projects with future top-level competition plans, we recommend designing to Class 1 criteria from the start. Read our Class 1 certificate guide for details.
SFS Engineering supports preliminary assessment, gap closing, equipment supply and preparation of the application file. See our World Athletics certificates and our track surface systems comparison.
Class 2 does not require accredited on-site performance testing of the surface as Class 1 does. The certified product system and the survey report are the key documents.
No. Both classes require a surface system with a World Athletics product certificate.
Record ratification requires a certified facility along with other conditions such as competition level, officials and measurement. The class required is set out in the relevant competition rules.
If the facility is ready, the survey takes a few days; the total time depends on closing any gaps and on evaluation of the application.
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.