What are the Options for Running Track Surfaces?

With summer finally here, most of us are swapping indoor sports halls for the great outdoors for school sports. The summer term also sees many schools host a sports day with fun activities from track and field events to the good old egg and spoon race. As providers of safety flooring, our customers often ask what we’d recommend using for running track surfaces.

Why install a running track at a school?

Running is proven to not only help children’s physical health but also have positive impacts on their emotional and social well-being.

The Daily Mile is an example of an initiative design to help children get into running. School teacher Elaine Wyllie introduced the idea back in 2012 after wanting her pupils to improve their fitness and concentration levels. Elaine’s project was such a success that it has now be rolled out to schools across the country.

Although initiatives such as The Daily Mile don’t require a running track, installing one helps to add a bit more fun! Plus, running tracks can be used in any weather condition, helping to make sure children are active throughout the year – come rain or shine.

What is a running track surface made of?

We use a variety of surface materials for our all-weather running tracks. As a regularly used piece of equipment for a range of different applications, running tracks need to be reliable. Running surfaces have to be durable and able to withstand all weather conditions to increase the longevity of the product.

At PlaySmart, we tend to suggest using either GreenFrog Grass or JungleMulch.

GreenFrog Grass

GreenFrog Grass is our innovative system that includes a variety of artificial grasses, carpets and sports surfaces installed onto a variety of substrates. ActiveSmart stays vibrant for longer and isn’t prone to wear and tear like some competitor products.

JungleMulch

JungleMulch is our original bonded rubber mulch. This rubber mulch makes a brilliant outdoor running track surface. We install JungleMulch in a range of colours to give any running track the WOW factor.

Can I use my Sports Premium on running track surfaces?

In the UK, most primary schools will receive a PE and sports premium every year. The government created this premium as an initiative created to improve sporting opportunities for children. The sports premium must be spent on sustainable improvements to the quality of PE – hence it is fine to use the premium to install running tracks.

For more information about running track surfaces – why not take a look at our ‘How to choose a surface guide’? The guide features technical information about JungleMulch and ActiveSmart, as well as our other products. To download – click below!

Alternatively, feel free to call us on 01564 742811.