How do I Build a Walking Track With Non-Tire Rubber?

The first and only athletic event of the original 13 ancient Olympic Games was a 600-foot long stadium race, according to Athletic Scholarships, a sports recruiting service. Track surfaces have evolved significantly in the 21st century. The American Sports Builders Association (ASBA) says modern tracks started with a natural material such as cinder and clay with the rubber surfaces appearing in the 1960s. Building a modern walking track can be a challenging undertaking but, with a little preparation, it is possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Pea gravel
  • Measuring wheel
  • Marker flags
  • Asphalt
  • Asphalt paver
  • Latex or polyurethane
  • Non-tire rubber
  • Tack Coat
  • Construction equipment
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Instructions

    • 1
      It will be much easier to build a track if the original location is flat.

      Pick the location. A track needs at least five acres, 600 feet long by 300 feet wide. If grandstands, lighting, artificial turf or fencing is needed, additional space will be required. The ASBA recommends a "level plain, higher than surrounding areas." Consider accessibility to the public as well as the direction of the wind.

    • 2
      A measuring wheel is the easiest, but other options can be used for measurement.

      Measure the distance. Use a measuring wheel to map out the distance for the track. A non-equal quadrant track has two equal turns and two equal sides. The International Association of Athletics Federations state this type of track "has straight-aways of 84.39m and measure line radii of 36.80m." If competition is not a necessity, choosing to build an equal quadrant track which has two straight sides of 100m and two curves of 100m might be easier. Mark the track measurements using flags.

    • 3
      Choose high-quality pea gravel for the strongest foundation.

      Prepare the site. The location will need to be completely level and free from debris. Remove all vegetation that is growing in the area. Create a firm base with a compacted layer of pea gravel. Use a vibratory plate compactor to compress the gravel. It can be rented at many home improvement stores.

    • 4
      Make sure the asphalt is level as this is the base of the track.

      Lay the asphalt. Pave 2 inches of asphalt over compacted gravel, using an asphalt paver. This can be rented from construction equipment suppliers. According to OMNOVA Solutions, a sports surface supplier, the asphalt will need to harden for two weeks. Once it has hardened, coat the surface with "tack coat" which helps the first layer of rubber stick to the asphalt.

    • 5
      The rubber will need to be pellets or shavings.

      Decide on the surface. Many options are available for non-tire rubber, including natural rubber, virgin rubber or recycled rubber. Nike even has a service called Nike Grind that uses rubber recycled from old shoes and "manufacturing scrap." Black rubber is the least expensive, but other colors are available. White rubber can be used to make the lane markings.

    • 6
      Add the final lines with white rubber during the process or paint them on afterward.

      Spread the track surface. Mix the rubber with the latex or polyurethane and spread in an even layer on top of the asphalt. Let it dry for six to 24 hours. Repeat until the ASBA recommended "depth of 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch" is achieved. According to OMNOVA Solutions, this takes about five to seven layers. Once installed, OMNOVA Solutions recommends applying a final latex spray and a final sheen coat.