Synthetic Track (Surface)

A synthetic track is the engineered running surface laid over an athletics track's base — a polyurethane or rubber-and-binder system that provides consistent grip, some energy return and reliable performance in wet or dry conditions. It replaced older cinder and grass tracks from the 1960s onward, making times far more comparable between venues and weather. "Tartan" is a brand name that became a common generic label for such surfaces.

The synthetic track is the material, distinct from the track, which is the oval venue it covers. Different systems vary in hardness and thickness, and top-level competition surfaces are certified by the sport's governing body for their measured properties. Modern spike-shoe designs interact closely with these surfaces, keeping their construction under close attention.