The Complete Handbook of Track & Field

Chapter 1: Understanding Track & Field

Track and field facilities exist to serve a single, precise function: to provide a consistent, safe, and measurable surface for running, jumping, and throwing events. Unlike many athletic surfaces, a track is not simply a top layer of material. It is a engineered system composed of multiple layers—surface, base, subgrade, and drainage—each chosen and installed to work together. Understanding what these components are and how they function is essential for anyone responsible for selecting, building, maintaining, or operating a track.

What a Track Actually Is

A modern athletic track typically measures 400 meters around the inside lane and consists of two straight sections (straights) and two curved sections (curves). The surface itself is usually one of two types: synthetic (polyurethane or polyurethane-based) or natural (cinder, clay, or grass). Both types rest on layers below: a base course (usually stone or recycled asphalt), a subgrade (native soil), and a drainage system that removes water.

The surface is where runners' feet make contact, and its properties—elasticity, friction, and consistency—directly affect performance and safety. A synthetic track's top layer is typically 8 to 13 millimeters thick, though that thickness varies based on the specific material and manufacturer. Below that lies a binding or binder layer, which bonds the top layer to the base below. The base itself is usually 25 to 50 millimeters of bound stone or recycled material, chosen for stability and water drainage. Beneath that lies the native soil (subgrade), which may be compacted or