A Polyurethane Surface (Tartan) Running Track by Sport Floor is a multi-layered system made of PU and EPDM/SBR granules, engineered for consistent energy return, controlled shock absorption, and high slip resistance. It’s the ideal surface for official competitions and professional training, fully compliant with World Athletics standards, and supported by reliable global supply and shipping from Sport Floor.
A Tartan running track provides the perfect balance between athletic performance and runner safety. It delivers consistent speed, energy return, and controlled traction, making it ideal for both competitive races and training sessions. Moreover, it reduces joint stress, helping athletes train longer and recover faster. Sport Floor manufactures World Athletics–compliant systems tailored to your project requirements or built to international industrial standards, with certified materials exported to 47 countries worldwide.
A Tartan running track is an engineered synthetic surface composed of multiple layers designed for optimal athletic performance. It typically includes: ⦁ a structural base (concrete or asphalt), ⦁ a primer layer for bonding, ⦁ a rubber cushion layer (SBR mixed with polyurethane resin), and ⦁ a top layer made of EPDM granules blended with polyurethane binder. This multi-layer system ensures resilience, stable traction, and precise shock absorption, providing athletes with a consistent and safe running experience suitable for all competition and training levels.
| Item | Guideline / Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Total Layer Thickness | 10–25 mm (depending on system and competition requirements) |
| Surface Layer Thickness (EPDM) | 2–6 mm |
| Cushion Layer Thickness (SBR + PU) | 6–15 mm |
| Shock Absorption Rate | Tested according to EN 14808 – Target value per category |
| Slip Resistance (PTV) | Within safe range for sports use (Pendulum Test Report attached) |
| Performance Balance | Compliant with World Athletics competition requirements upon request |
| Surface Layer Colors | Red, Green, Gray (UV-stable EPDM colors) |
| Gradient & Drainage Design | 1–2% slope toward side channels as per design |
Types of Polyurethane Surface (Tartan) Systems by Sport Floor — and When to Choose Each
A seamless, joint-free surface poured directly on-site — ideal for competitive tracks and schools seeking consistent performance and a smooth texture. Ensures uniform shock absorption and professional aesthetics.
Pre-manufactured rolls or tiles for faster installation and localized maintenance. Best for projects requiring rapid deployment, easy replacement, or temporary installations.
A combination of EPDM top layer with a recycled SBR core — provides a smart balance between performance, durability, and cost. Commonly used in clubs, community tracks, and educational facilities.
Recyclable & Eco-Friendly
Made entirely from recycled materials to support sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Easy Maintenance
Engineered for simple cleaning and upkeep to maintain its appearance and high performance over time.
Sound Insulation
Effectively absorbs noise, creating a quiet and comfortable environment—ideal for gyms and indoor courts.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Produced using the latest manufacturing technologies for exceptional performance and minimal maintenance.
Safe Application
Provides a secure surface that minimizes slipping and reduces the risk of injuries.
Anti-Slip Surface
Designed with high friction resistance to ensure safe play even in wet or humid conditions.
Durability
Outstanding strength and wear resistance, capable of withstanding intensive use in any environment.
Specialized Solutions
We provide customized flooring systems tailored to your project’s unique needs and specifications.
Water Resistance
Developed to prevent water absorption and moisture buildup, keeping the surface permanently dry.
High Load Capacity
Engineered to bear heavy weights and pressure without deformation or damage.
Easy Installation
Offers exceptional stability with quick assembly, disassembly, and maintenance whenever needed.
International Standards
Manufactured according to the highest global quality and safety standards to guarantee unmatched performance.
Sport Floor Steps for Building a Certified Polyurethane Surface (Tartan) Running Track
Site Inspection and Survey
Measurement of area, slope verification for drainage, and inspection of the concrete/asphalt base.
Leveling, crack repair, ensuring flatness tolerance ≤ ±3 mm per 2 m.
Applied to enhance adhesion and surface uniformity.
Provides the required shock absorption and comfort for athletes.
Evenly spread and thickness-controlled to ensure consistent performance and texture.
Includes track lanes, distance numbers, and starting zones — all following World Athletics standards.
Slip resistance (Pendulum / PTV), shock absorption (EN 14808), and compliance with World Athletics requirements.
Comprehensive instructions for maintenance teams to extend the track’s lifespan.
4–7 weeks depending on base condition and project size.
Quality Standards and Certifications of Sport Floor Running Track Systems
All Sport Floor polyurethane surface (Tartan) systems for competitive tracks comply with World Athletics / IAAF performance criteria, ensuring accuracy in track geometry, traction, and shock absorption.
Certified for shock absorption (EN 14808) and critical fall height (EN 1177), guaranteeing optimal safety and performance balance for athletes.
Independent testing confirms excellent slip resistance values under both dry and wet conditions.
Compliant with international indoor air quality standards for low volatile organic compound emissions in indoor facilities.
Sport Floor’s factories operate under ISO-certified quality management systems, ensuring consistent production standards, traceability, and durability across all exported systems.
Track Performance — What Do Operators and Athletes Expect?
Uniform energy rebound across the entire running track ensures fair competition and predictable performance. Sport Floor guarantees a <5% variation in rebound according to certified test results.
Excellent traction minimizes slipping risks and enhances acceleration and cornering stability, providing a confident running experience.
Engineered cushioning reduces stress on knees and ankles, helping prevent fatigue and repetitive strain injuries for athletes.
By using UV-stabilized EPDM, Sport Floor ensures long-lasting color retention and stable mechanical performance, even under outdoor climatic stress.
| Criterion | Prefabricated Rubber Surface (Tiles) | Traditional Asphalt Surface | Tartan (PU + EPDM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Performance | Good | Average | High |
| Shock Absorption | Good–Excellent | Poor | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Easy to replace | Low | Moderate |
| Initial Cost | Medium | Low–Medium | Medium–High |
| Suitable for Competitions | Depends on type | No | Yes (with specifications) |
Tartan Track Maintenance by Sport Floor Experts
- Daily: Sweep or blow away leaves, dust, and debris using a soft broom or air blower.
Weekly: Inspect high-traffic areas and clean visible stains or spills.
Monthly: Wash the surface with warm water and a non-solvent cleaner.
Semi-Annual / Annual: Check seams and edges, perform PTV (Pendulum Test) and Shock Absorption (EN 14808) tests.
Annual Spot Repair: Replace worn patches or reapply the surface coating as needed.
With proper care, a Polyurethane Surface (Tartan) track can last 3–8 years, depending on system type and usage intensity.
- ⦁ Use of Low-VOC materials is essential, especially for indoor facilities.
⦁ Growing demand for EPDM-based or certified non-toxic granules as safer alternatives to traditional crumb rubber.
⦁ Sport Floor provides eco-conscious options with recycled content and certified emission control testing.
Superior Quality
We guarantee products that meet the highest international quality standards, ensuring long-lasting performance and customer satisfaction.
Design Flexibility
A wide range of thicknesses, colors, and surface designs to perfectly match your project’s requirements.
Eco-Friendly Materials
All our products are made from recycled materials to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
Outstanding Technical Support
Our expert team is always ready to provide guidance, consultation, and full support to ensure your project’s success.
Upgraded an old surface to a Pour-in-Place system (18 mm total thickness), fully tested and certified under EN and PTV standards. The red running track meets World Athletics speed coefficient requirements and was completed within 4 weeks.
Installed a UV-resistant flexible system, designed for day and night use in diverse climatic conditions. Ensures stable traction and durability even under temperature fluctuations.
Custom-engineered training surface optimized for daily athlete routines, combining shock absorption, slip resistance, and long-term resilience for high-performance environments.
💰 Smart Cost Analysis
The total project cost depends on several key factors:
• System Type: Pour-in-Place offers the highest performance but also comes with a higher initial investment compared to layered or prefabricated systems.
• Base Condition: The more stable and level the base, the lower the preparation costs.
• Infrastructure Services: Includes drainage systems, lighting, and surrounding metal tension frames.
• Execution Time & Labor: Varies depending on project area and weather conditions.
📊 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Over 5 Years
When calculating TCO = Installation Cost + Periodic Maintenance,
Sport Floor’s studies show that Tartan tracks can deliver 30–40% savings over 5 years compared to cheaper surfaces that deteriorate faster and require early renewal.
Simply put: Higher initial investment = Lower maintenance + Longer lifespan + Stable performance.
🌟 Non-Financial Benefits
• Enhances the property’s value and appeal for schools, clubs, and sports complexes.
• Attracts events and sponsorships thanks to its professional look and easy maintenance.
• Improves athlete safety through advanced shock absorption and reduced injuries.
• Extends surface lifespan, delaying the need for costly replacements or overhauls.
FIFA Quality & FIFA Quality Pro Certificates
For synthetic turf systems that meet the latest international performance standards.
International Sports Federations Approvals
Certified for tennis, basketball, and athletics, ensuring acrylic and tartan surfaces comply with global tournament requirements.
Global ISO Certifications
For quality management, environmental responsibility, and occupational safety.
European Standards (EN)
Complying with strict safety and eco-friendly material regulations.
A Tartan track provides consistent performance, superior shock absorption, and better protection for athletes, while asphalt is cheaper but harder on joints and less safe for long-term training.
Yes — when installed according to World Athletics specifications and passes the required certification tests.
Typically between 3–8 years, depending on the system type, usage intensity, and maintenance quality.
Yes — after repairing cracks and leveling the surface, a Tartan system can be successfully applied.
Usually between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the base condition and total track area.
Certified Running Track by Sport Floor
If you’re looking for a running track that delivers performance, safety, and professional compliance, Sport Floor offers a complete solution: engineering design, manufacturing under strict quality standards, and internationally certified materials (PTV, EN, World Athletics).
Our systems are tested and exported to 47 countries worldwide, ensuring reliability and proven performance.
📩 Send us now: the track length (m), number of lanes (e.g., 6 / 8), and project location (city/country) — we’ll provide a preliminary technical proposal including a layer diagram, Bill of Materials (BOM), and a supply & shipping cost estimate.
A materials and systems engineer specializing in tartan sports fields with 18+ years of experience, who has supervised the design and implementation of tartan sports field projects in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and is an expert in performance and safety specifications.
M. Zhang Ming Manager of the Tartan Flooring Department at Sport Floor