Outdoor Running Tracks: Which Surface is Right For Me?
Running is an exercise enjoyed the world over, and has a multitude of proven health benefits. Our clients often ask for our recommendations for outdoor running tracks. The article below will take you through everything you need to know.
Why install an outdoor running track at a school?
Running has a long proven history of providing both health and social benefits to children. It not only improves their fitness and builds stronger hearts and muscles, but it also helps them socialise with their classmates as a group activity. Here at PlaySmart, we recognise that these factors are of great benefit to children’s overall health. That is why we are happy to provide running tracks as part of our safety surfacing range.
How can I afford an outdoor running track?
The government allocates funding (the PE and sports premium) for the purpose of bettering and furthering PE and sports in schools. This funding goes towards new equipment, surfaces, and so on. With your grant, you can install a running track at your school, and PlaySmart is here to help!
Do I have to be a school to get an outdoor running track?
Running is an exercise that is good for both physical and mental health in people of all ages. They are suitable for:
- Parks and recreation grounds
- Embankments and tree surrounds
- Paths/trails
JungleMulch
JungleMulch is an environmentally-friendly surfacing made from recycled tyres to give it the look of natural bark. Available in a wide range of colours, it provides an aesthetically pleasing factor for your surfacing needs. But how does it feature as our recommended running track surface of choice?
As is expected with surfaces intended for running, JungleMulch is a water-permeable surface, providing peace of mind when it comes to slip hazards and puddling problems. The bonded rubber material is not only slip-resistant but also fully wheelchair and buggy accessible. Therefore, everybody can get involved with your new running track! JungleMulch also helps suppress those pesky weeds but accommodates tree and plant growth. With this surface, you can have a natural-looking setting without the hassle of weed maintenance.
Lush Lawn Artificial Grass
Artificial Grass is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional turf, providing a realistic looking product that comes with a whole host of added benefits. Its main attraction is how perfect it looks all year round, withstanding the elements and heavy footfall, making it a perfect surface for an outdoor track.
When debating if certain surfaces are right for your track, you will naturally consider safety aspects, as running can sometimes result in injuries. With real grass, you run the risk of slipping and falling on wet grass or muddy patches, and other surfacing alternatives may be too rough to cushion a landing properly without scratching you.
Lush Lawn provides a safe, attractive appeal, with its rapid drainage technology and strong durable makeup that means it remains beautiful come rain or shine. Built to last, heavy footfall makes little to no impact on the grass, meaning everyone can enjoy your beautiful new outdoor running track all year long!
If you have any questions we haven’t answered, please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help!
