When creating high-quality sports venues, the choice of running tracks is a crucial step. All-plastic running tracks, porous running tracks, hybrid running tracks, EPDM running tracks, and prefabricated running tracks each have their own characteristics. A thorough understanding of the differences in their manufacturing and installation processes as well as their unique advantages is essential for selecting a running track that meets your specific needs. Whether you are a sports venue operator, a school infrastructure manager, or a sports club administrator, you can obtain valuable decision-making references from this. Let’s embark on this exploration of running tracks together.

1. All-Plastic Running Tracks: The King’s Choice for Professional Stadiums

(1) Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of all-plastic running tracks is like a meticulous art creation. With high-quality polyurethane materials as the core, it is carefully mixed with premium rubber granules, just like blending precious pigments with a fine texture. In professional factories or on construction sites, using advanced equipment and superb techniques, the materials are evenly stirred to ensure that the ideal ratio is achieved everywhere. Subsequently, a layered paving process is adopted, with the thickness of each layer precisely measured and strictly controlled. From the base layer to the surface layer, it progresses layer by layer, just like constructing a solid and exquisite castle. During the construction process, extremely high requirements are imposed on environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. It is like taking care of delicate flowers, and the operation needs to be carried out under suitable climatic conditions to ensure that the materials can be perfectly blended and cured to form a flat and elastic running track surface.

(2) Installation Process

The installation of all-plastic running tracks requires a professional team to handle it. They are like experienced conductors, coordinating all aspects. First, the site foundation is rigorously pre-treated to ensure that the flatness error is extremely small, just like preparing a flat stage for the upcoming dancers. Then, according to the pre-designed plan, each layer of material is gradually paved, and each layer of paving must be closely connected without any mistakes. During the paving process, professional construction tools such as large pavers and trowels are used to evenly spread the materials on the site surface and perform fine smoothing treatment, making the running track surface as smooth as a mirror. Finally, after a period of curing and maintenance, the running track is fully formed to reach the optimal sports performance state. This process is like waiting for the aging of fine wine, requiring both time and patience.

(3) Advantages

1. Outstanding Sports Performance: All-plastic running tracks provide athletes with a top-notch sports experience. Their unparalleled flatness ensures the stability of running steps, allowing each step to land and exert force precisely, just like a sports car speeding on a flat highway, reducing energy loss and the risk of injury caused by an uneven ground. The excellent elasticity is like a spring, providing just the right rebound force when athletes start running or jump, helping them achieve better results. Whether it is the instantaneous explosive power pursued by sprinting stars or the lasting support needed by long-distance running athletes, all-plastic running tracks can present it perfectly.
2. Superior Durability: When facing high-intensity use, all-plastic running tracks demonstrate extraordinary endurance. Whether it is under the scorching sun or being battered by wind and rain, it can stand firm without being prone to deformation, fading, or wear. Its excellent wear resistance is like a warrior clad in a sturdy armor, able to withstand the frequent trampling of a large number of athletes and the friction of various sports equipment, maintaining a good use state for a long time and significantly reducing the later maintenance cost and frequency, providing reliable long-term guarantee for professional competition venues.

2. Porous Running Tracks: The Model of Cost-Effectiveness and Practicality

(1) Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of porous running tracks adheres to the concept of simplicity and efficiency. Using polyurethane glue as the binder, it is fully mixed with an appropriate amount of rubber granules, just like skillfully combining ingredients to cook a delicious meal. During the mixing process, breathable materials are specially added. These materials are like tiny air holes, evenly distributed in the structure of the running track. When manufacturing, the mixed materials are paved on the treated site foundation using a relatively simple process. Through manual work or small machinery, they are spread and compacted to ensure that the materials are tightly combined and form certain breathable channels, enabling the running track to have good breathable properties, effectively solving the problems of water accumulation and air blockage, just like installing an intelligent ventilation system for the running track.

(2) Installation Process

The installation of porous running tracks is relatively convenient, with relatively loose requirements for the construction site and personnel skills, showing strong adaptability. First, the site foundation is simply cleaned and leveled, with debris and raised parts removed, just like cleaning a room to make space for new furniture. Then, the pre-mixed porous running track materials are evenly paved on the site according to the designed thickness. This can be done either by manual spreading or with the assistance of a small paver to ensure the even distribution of the materials. During the paving process, light compacting equipment is used to moderately compact the materials, making the running track surface flat and tight. Finally, surface treatment is carried out, such as spreading a small amount of rubber granules to increase friction and aesthetics. The whole installation process is like an easy jigsaw puzzle, quickly and efficiently completing the paving of the running track.

(3) Advantages

1. Good Breathable and Drainage Properties: The breathable property of porous running tracks is a major highlight. The unique structural design allows air to freely circulate inside the running track, effectively avoiding problems such as blistering and delamination caused by poor air circulation, just like endowing the running track with the ability to breathe. At the same time, its drainage property is also excellent. In case of rain or water accumulation, it can quickly drain the water from the running track surface, keeping the running track dry and reducing the risk of slipping caused by water accumulation, providing a safe and reliable sports environment for users. Whether it is for daily physical education, community fitness, or small sports events, it can handle them with ease.
2. Cost-Effective Choice: In terms of cost, porous running tracks have obvious advantages. The manufacturing materials are relatively inexpensive, and the construction process is simple, not requiring complex equipment and a large amount of manpower input, just like buying cost-effective daily necessities. It can meet the basic sports needs while significantly reducing the construction cost. For schools, communities, and other places with limited budgets, porous running tracks are undoubtedly a highly cost-effective choice, enabling them to build practical sports venues with less investment and promote the widespread development of sports activities.

3. Hybrid Running Tracks: The Master of Optimizing Comprehensive Performance

(1) Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of hybrid running tracks combines the essences of two manufacturing processes, being a combination of innovation and practicality. It takes the basic structure of porous running tracks as a blueprint. First, polyurethane glue and rubber granules are mixed and paved to form a stable support structure at the bottom layer, just like building the foundation of a house. Then, all-plastic polyurethane mortar is carefully paved on the surface layer, which is like dressing the running track in a gorgeous coat. During the manufacturing process, strict requirements are imposed on the mixing ratio of each layer of materials, the paving thickness, and the construction order, just like following a precise recipe for cooking to ensure that each step is just right. Through advanced mixing equipment and professional construction techniques, each layer of materials is tightly combined to form a high-quality running track structure that has both breathable properties and high elasticity and wear resistance.

(2) Installation Process

The installation of hybrid running tracks is a relatively complex process that requires the construction team to have a relatively high level of technical skills and rich experience. First, the site foundation is meticulously treated to ensure that its flatness, slope, etc. meet the design requirements, just like carving the base of an art piece. Then, according to the process requirements, the bottom layer materials of the porous running tracks are paved, using professional tools for even spreading and compacting to ensure the stability and breathability of the bottom layer. Then, after the bottom layer has cured, the all-plastic polyurethane mortar surface layer is paved. This process requires precise control of the thickness and flatness of the mortar, using pavers, trowels, etc. for fine operations to make the surface layer smooth and flat and closely combined with the bottom layer. Finally, the running track is maintained and surface-treated, such as marking lines and spreading anti-slip granules. After a period of maintenance, the running track reaches its optimal performance state. The whole installation process is like building a strong and beautiful sailboat, with each link closely connected and no room for mistakes.

(3) Advantages

1. Balanced Performance Advantage: Hybrid running tracks cleverly integrate the advantages of porous running tracks and all-plastic running tracks, achieving an optimized balance of performance. The breathable bottom layer effectively prevents water accumulation and blistering, just like creating a healthy internal environment for the running track; while the all-plastic mortar layer on the surface endows the running track with high elasticity and excellent wear resistance. Whether it is the high-speed running and jumping of track and field athletes or the frequent start-stop and turning of ball game athletes, they can all get good support on the hybrid running tracks, just like an all-round athlete who can perform well in multiple events.
2. Cost-Effectiveness Balance: In terms of cost, hybrid running tracks are more affordable than all-plastic running tracks, while also having a significant performance improvement compared to porous running tracks. It reduces the construction cost and later maintenance cost while ensuring relatively high sports performance, just like finding the golden balance between quality and price. For comprehensive sports stadiums, school playgrounds, and other places that need to accommodate multiple sports events and have limited budgets, hybrid running tracks are an ideal choice, enabling them to build high-quality, multi-functional sports venues within a limited budget to meet the sports needs of different people.

4. EPDM Running Tracks: The Dream Combination of Color and Safety

(1) Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of EPDM running tracks is full of creativity and childlike fun. Using ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) granules as the main raw material, these granules are rich in colors, just like colorful gems. The EPDM granules and polyurethane glue are fully stirred and mixed in a professional device according to a specific ratio, just like fusing colors and glue into a unique artistic paint. During the manufacturing process, different colored granules can be added according to design requirements to achieve various gorgeous color patterns and combinations, just like painting a large colored scroll. The mixed materials are evenly paved on the site foundation, either by manual work or small machinery, and are spread and compacted to make the granules tightly combined together to form an elastic and aesthetically pleasing running track surface. Each inch of the running track is like a carefully carved art piece.

(2) Installation Process

The installation of EPDM running tracks focuses on details and the presentation of creative designs. First, the site foundation is cleaned and leveled to ensure that the surface is free of debris and raised parts, just like preparing a clean canvas for a colored scroll. Then, according to the design plan, the different colored EPDM granules and glue mixed materials are gradually paved on the site, either by hand-drawing patterns or using molds to make specific shapes, showing unique creative designs such as cartoon images, sports marks, etc., just like drawing beautiful patterns on the canvas. During the paving process, small compacting tools are used to compact the materials to ensure the tight combination of the granules and the flatness of the surface. Finally, the running track surface is cleaned and checked to ensure that the colors are bright and the patterns are clear. The whole installation process is like creating a fantasy-filled children’s playground, perfectly combining creativity and practicality.

(3) Advantages

1. Rich Color Creativity: The color expression of EPDM running tracks is truly remarkable. It can provide a vast selection of colors, from bright reds, blues to soft greens, yellows, and everything in between. Moreover, these colors have extremely high stability, even under long-term sunlight exposure and wind and rain erosion, they still remain bright and vivid, just like a never-fading rainbow. Its unique color creativity adds infinite charm to sports venues. It can be customized with different color combinations and pattern designs according to the theme, purpose, or brand image of the venue, creating a unique sports space. Whether it is a children’s playground, a kindergarten playground, or the sports area of a theme park, it can become the focus of everyone’s attention.
2. Excellent Safety Protection: In terms of safety performance, EPDM running tracks perform outstandingly. Its elasticity is excellent, just like a soft sponge, able to effectively absorb the impact force generated during the sports process, reducing the risk of athlete injury. Especially for children and beginners, when they fall, it can provide a good buffer protection, just like a gentle guardian. At the same time, the EPDM material itself is non-toxic and odorless, meeting environmental standards, providing a healthy and safe sports environment for users. Whether it is for physical education, children’s entertainment activities, or daily fitness exercises, users can feel the safety and comfort provided by the EPDM running tracks.

5. Prefabricated Running Tracks: The Modern Pioneer of Efficiency and Convenience

(1) Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of prefabricated running tracks is completed in factories, following a highly industrialized production process. Using high-quality rubber materials as the basis, they are processed through advanced techniques such as high-temperature vulcanization, just like transforming ordinary rubber raw materials into tough steel through high-temperature forging. During the manufacturing process, the formulation of materials and processing parameters are precisely controlled to ensure the stable and consistent performance of the running track. Professional molds are used to make the rubber materials into standardized running track plates. These plates have precise dimensions and reliable quality, just like precision-manufactured components. Each prefabricated plate undergoes strict quality inspections, including elasticity tests, flatness detections, and wear resistance evaluations. Only plates that meet high standards can enter the market, just like selecting excellent soldiers to form an elite force.

(2) Installation Process

The installation of prefabricated running tracks is as efficient and fast as building with building blocks. First, the site foundation is measured and treated with high precision to ensure that the flatness error is controlled within a very small range, just like preparing a flat table for building with building blocks. Then, the prefabricated running track plates are transported to the construction site according to the design requirements and quickly spliced and installed according to the pre-made splicing plan. During the splicing process, special glues or connecting devices are used to tightly connect the plates together to ensure the integrity and stability of the running track, just like firmly splicing building blocks into a complete shape. After the installation is completed, the running track surface is simply cleaned and checked, and it can be put into use immediately. The whole installation process significantly shortens the construction period and reduces the quality risks caused by complex on-site construction conditions, just like an efficient courier service, quickly and accurately delivering and installing the running track.

(3) Advantages

1. Efficient and Convenient Construction: The biggest advantage of prefabricated running tracks is their efficient construction method. Since the running track plates are prefabricated in factories, only simple splicing and installation are required on site, significantly reducing the construction time and manpower input. Compared with the on-site manufacturing of traditional running tracks, it is like the difference between taking a high-speed train and a normal train. It can complete the construction of the running track in a short time, especially suitable for the construction of large sports event venues with tight schedules or places that need to quickly renovate the running track, maximizing the reduction of the impact on the normal use of the venue and quickly providing users with high-quality sports venues.
2. Stable and Reliable Quality: In terms of quality, prefabricated running tracks have excellent stability and reliability. The factory-based production process ensures that the quality of each running track plate is strictly controlled, with consistent and stable performance. Its surface flatness is high, and its elasticity is uniform, providing athletes with a stable sports experience, just like skating on a flat ice surface, reducing the risk of sports mistakes and injuries caused by differences in running track quality. At the same time, prefabricated running tracks have good weather resistance, wear resistance, and anti-slip performance, being able to adapt to various adverse climate conditions and high-intensity use environments, maintaining good performance for a long time, just like a loyal companion, always accompanying users on the sports field.

When selecting a running track, we need to comprehensively consider various factors. First, there is the budget. The costs of different types of running tracks vary greatly, from the cost-effective porous running track to the relatively expensive all-plastic and prefabricated running tracks. You need to make a reasonable choice according to your actual economic situation. Second, there is the use function and user group of the venue. For professional event venues that pursue extreme sports performance and meet international standards, all-plastic or prefabricated running tracks can be considered first; for school playgrounds that need to accommodate physical education, students’ recess activities, etc., hybrid or porous running tracks may be more appropriate; for children’s playgrounds and kindergarten playgrounds, EPDM running tracks are the best choice as they focus on safety and color creativity. Third, the local climate conditions are also an important factor that cannot be ignored. In areas with much rain, attention should be focused on the drainage and ventilation properties of the running track; in areas with strong ultraviolet rays, running tracks with excellent weather resistance should be considered first. In addition, the construction conditions and later maintenance costs are also important considerations that cannot be ignored. Only by comprehensively and deeply weighing these factors can you accurately select the running track type that best meets your own needs, creating an ideal sports venue for sports enthusiasts, making each run, jump a wonderful sports experience, and making each sports venue a stage full of vitality and dreams. Whether it is the pursuit of professional extreme sports competition, the promotion of national fitness in the community, or the happy play in children’s playgrounds, there is always a running track that can perfectly match, opening a new chapter of your sports life.