Synthetic Track (Surface)
The all-weather rubberised surface, often called a tartan track, laid on modern athletics running tracks.
Definition
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.
Scope: A surface material; 'Tartan' is a trademark used generically for synthetic athletics tracks.
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Playing surfaces
- Synthetic trackAn all-weather rubberised athletics running surface — firm, springy and high-grip — giving sprinters and distance runners fast, consistent, predictable footing.
- Artificial turfSynthetic grass, often filled with sand or rubber, that gives a firm, even, all-weather surface. It plays faster and truer than worn natural grass.
- Road (Tarmac / Asphalt)Paved tarmac or asphalt: a firm, smooth, predictable surface that rewards steady pace and rhythm — the ground for road running, cycling and race-walking.
- TrailNatural off-road terrain of dirt, rock, roots, grass and mud that varies constantly and rewards surefootedness in trail running, mountain biking and hiking.
- GrassNatural turf grown on soil — the traditional surface for many field sports and, in tennis, a fast court with a low, skiddy bounce.
Facilities
- Athletics trackAn oval multi-lane running track, usually 400 metres per lap, used for sprints, distance running and relays.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
- Ice rinkA sheet of prepared ice, usually rink-boarded with rounded corners, used for skating and ice sports.
- VelodromeA steeply banked oval track for track cycling, with sloped bends that let riders hold high speeds through the turns.
Rules
- Lane disciplineThe rule that competitors must stay within their assigned lane in lane-based races.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- False startA rule breach in a race when a competitor begins to move before the starting signal is given.
Strategies
- Adapting to ConditionsAdapting to conditions is the strategy of shaping your game plan around the venue, surface, weather, altitude and home-or-away setting you face.
- Zone vs Man MarkingTwo defensive systems compared: zonal marking guards areas of the field, while man-to-man marking assigns each defender a specific opponent to track.
Adaptive sports
- Ambulant Para SportsPara sports for athletes who compete standing or on foot — walking or running — rather than from a wheelchair or seated position.
- Wheelchair SportsSports played from a wheelchair — often a specialised sports chair — so that wheelchair users can take part, train and compete.
- Para sportsThe competitive branch of adaptive sport, where athletes with disabilities train and compete, often within organised classification systems.
- Sports for Blind and Visually Impaired AthletesSports adapted with sound, touch and guiding support so that athletes who are blind or have low vision can take part and compete.
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- 2026-08-04
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