For track and field athletes, coaches, and athletics directors, running track surfacing is one of the most overlooked aspects of track athletics. The right surface impacts performance, safety and long-term value.
This track and field information guide breaks down the main types of running tracks, how to choose between them and how beginners can elevate their performance on the running track.
A running track is an oval-shaped surface designed for track events like:
Track and field athletics also include jumping events like long jump, high jump, triple jump and pole vault, and throwing events like shot put, discus, javelin and hammer throw. These events don't take place on the running track, but several use a track surface as a runway, and all benefit from quality surfacing. Track surface material affects speed, injury risk and the overall experience for athletes at every level.
Whether you're buying a running track for an athletics facility or you're an athlete looking to get the most from the surface you're running on, understanding the main track types can give you a significant advantage.
1. Rubberized Synthetic Tracks
Modern rubberized tracks are the gold standard for modern athletics. They use ethylene propylene diene monomer or styrene-butadiene rubber granules, often combined with a polyurethane binder. The highest quality rubberized tracks are vulcanized rubber tracks, which are engineered for durability and weather resistance. They offer excellent traction and shock absorption and are suitable for all levels of use.
These characteristics make rubberized synthetic tracks the trusted choice for prestigious events like the Olympics and leading facilities for athletes at all levels.
2. Polyurethane-Bound Synthetic Tracks
Polyurethane tracks consist of multiple layers of rubber granules bound with polyurethane, creating a seamless, resilient and high-performance surface. They're firm, but offer a slight give underfoot. These tracks often come in bright red, blue or purple with a slightly textured surface.
Polyurethane tracks are durable, weather-resistant and provide good shock absorption and energy return, making them popular with athletes and coaches for training and competition.
3. Asphalt-Bound Tracks
Asphalt tracks are constructed from a mix of asphalt, sand and sometimes rubber. They provide a hard, smooth and predictable surface, making them a step up from natural tracks. That said, asphalt is tough on the joints, can become dangerously hot in summer and hardens with age, increasing injury risk. While still present at some schools and parks, asphalt tracks are no longer recommended for new installations or serious training.
4. Latex-Bound Synthetic Tracks
Latex-bound tracks use rubber granules held together with a latex binder. These surfaces are softer and more cushioned than asphalt, offering better shock absorption and athlete safety with a slight spring underfoot. They're permeable, allowing water to drain through, which helps to maintain consistent performance in wet climates. Latex tracks can wear out over time, though, and may require more frequent resurfacing than other tracks.
5. Natural Surfaces
Natural running track surfaces include grass, cinder and clay.
Grass is soft and gentle on the joints, making it a forgiving surface for beginners. However, it's also weather-dependent, can become uneven and requires constant maintenance. Due to their variability and the risk of slips or falls, grass tracks are rarely used for competition.
Cinder and clay tracks made from crushed stone, brick or ash were once the standard for schools and community tracks. They offer moderate cushioning but can become muddy or uneven when it rains. Like grass, these surfaces are high-maintenance and deliver inconsistent performance. Now, you'll mostly see these tracks in older facilities.
Synthetic tracks, including rubberized, latex-bound and polyurethane-bound tracks, differ in how they handle water, which is a key consideration for performance and maintenance. Synthetic tracks are classified as "porous" and "nonporous," depending on how they are constructed to handle water:
If you're choosing a track for a facility, take these five steps:
Are you an athlete looking to get more out of each track session? Use these quick performance tips to set yourself up for success:
For over 75 years, MONDO has set the global standard for high-performance track surfaces. Our tracks are the trusted solution for leading athletic facilities worldwide, including the Olympics.
At MONDO, our philosophy is simple — We Innovate, You Win. We engineer our prefabricated vulcanized rubber synthetic tracks for safety, speed and long-term value. If your facility is ready for a track upgrade or you need expert guidance on the best surface for your needs, MONDO is here to help.
Discover why champions choose MONDO for world-class track solutions. Contact us today to start your project or request a sample.