• Question: What material is a running track made of?

    Asked by kamilo12 to clairemarieroberts, Faye, Martin, Mus, Pete on 24 Apr 2012.
    • Photo: Pete Etchells

      Pete Etchells answered on 24 Apr 2012:

      I think most running tracks – and all-weather pitches – are made of a substance called ‘polyurethane’. It’s a bit like rubber in that it’s very flexible, and a bit like plastic, in that it’s very hard-wearing. The best of both worlds, really!

    • Photo: Faye Didymus

      Faye Didymus answered on 24 Apr 2012:

      What an interesting question! Every official running track is made out of a synthetic rubber called Tartan. I think it gets it’s name because of it’s colour! It is better than using grass or concrete because it is springy and therefore kinder on the ankle, knee, and hip joints. Out of interest, some of the athletes that I work with say that a harder track is better for sprinting and a softer track is better for long distance!

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