The Complete Handbook of Track & Field
The Professional's Guide to Track Design, Installation, and Operations
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
Everything you need to know about track surfaces, specifications, installation, and operations—written for decision-makers, not marketers.
About this book
Track & Field facilities are among the most technically demanding athletic installations: surfaces must meet precise dimensional standards, drainage systems must handle weather extremes, and materials must perform consistently for years under heavy use. Yet most facility managers and coaches make track decisions based on vendor brochures and assumed knowledge.
This handbook covers what track actually is (surface composition, subgrade structure, and how each component affects performance), how to choose between types (synthetic vs. natural, material grades, regional considerations), installation and setup, routine maintenance that prevents failures, troubleshooting common problems, and the business and supply-chain realities around track systems. You'll learn why a track in Minnesota requires different specifications than one in Arizona, how to read and enforce manufacturer warranties, and what maintenance schedules actually prevent costly repairs.
Includes practical guidance for facility managers, coaches, athletic directors, contractors, and anyone evaluating or operating a track facility.
Reader Reviews
Richard Miller
★★★★★This is exactly what I needed. I manage three school tracks and spent months wading through manufacturer docs and conflicting advice. Chapter 1 alone clarified what I'd been confused about for years—why one track needed drainage work and another didn't, and what "cushioning" and "deflection" actually measure. The selection chapter helped me evaluate proposals for a resurfacing project with real criteria instead of just price. Highly recommend if you manage any kind of track facility.
Jessica Perez
★★★★★Solid reference, though I wish it went deeper into regional specifics. The general principles are all there and the maintenance chapter is genuinely useful, but a coach in Florida and one in Colorado face pretty different problems, and this mostly speaks to the general case. Still better than any guide I've found—just expect to supplement it with local knowledge if you're managing a facility in an extreme climate.