What is EPDM?
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is a synthetic rubber widely used for athletics running tracks worldwide. It's the material of choice for Olympic, World Championship, and professional athletics facilities due to its exceptional durability, color stability, and performance characteristics.
Why EPDM for Running Tracks in Qatar?
EPDM is particularly well-suited for Qatar's climate:
- UV Resistance: EPDM granules maintain color and performance under intense sunlight
- Heat Stability: Performance remains consistent at temperatures exceeding 50°C
- Weather Resistance: Unaffected by rain, humidity, or sandstorms
- Longevity: 15-20 year lifespan with proper maintenance
Track System Components
1. Base Layer (Substructure)
- Compacted aggregate base (200-300mm)
- Asphalt surface layer (30-50mm)
- Must achieve flatness tolerance of ±3mm over 3m
2. Elastic Layer
- SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) bound with PU binder
- Thickness: 10-12mm
- Provides primary shock absorption
3. EPDM Wearing Surface
- Full-pour EPDM granules bound with PU binder
- Thickness: 13mm (standard IAAF specification)
- UV-stable pigments throughout
IAAF Certification Requirements
For IAAF (now World Athletics) certification, the track must meet:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|
| Force Reduction | 35-50% |
|---|---|
| Vertical Deformation | 0.6-2.5mm |
| Friction (wet) | ≥0.5 |
| Thickness | ≥13mm |
| Tensile Strength | ≥0.5 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥40% |
Certification Levels
- Class 1: International competitions (Olympic, World Championships)
- Class 2: National/regional competitions, training facilities
Installation Process
Step 1: Site Preparation (1-2 weeks)
- Excavation and grading
- Drainage system installation
- Aggregate base compaction
Step 2: Asphalt Layer (3-5 days)
- Machine-laid asphalt paving
- Minimum 7-day curing period
- Flatness testing and correction
Step 3: Elastic Base Layer (3-5 days)
- SBR/PU mixture machine-applied
- Leveled to specification
- 24-48 hour curing
Step 4: EPDM Surface Layer (3-5 days)
- Full-pour EPDM/PU system applied
- Spray-coat finish for texture
- 48-72 hour curing before use
Step 5: Line Marking (2-3 days)
- Precision laser-guided marking
- 8-lane standard (400m)
- All event markings per IAAF specifications
Step 6: Testing & Certification (1 week)
- Independent laboratory testing
- Force reduction and deformation measurements
- IAAF product certification application
Color Options
Standard IAAF track colors:
- Red/Terracotta (most common, classic athletics look)
- Blue (popular for modern facilities)
- Green (emerging trend for multi-sport facilities)
- Custom colors available for non-competition tracks
Maintenance Guide
Daily
- Remove loose debris (leaves, sand)
- Visual inspection for damage
Weekly
- Pressure wash high-traffic areas
- Check drainage channels
Monthly
- Full surface cleaning
- Inspect lane markings for wear
Annually
- Professional deep cleaning
- Performance testing (force reduction, friction)
- Repair any localized damage
Cost Considerations
Running track costs in Qatar vary based on:
- Track size (standard 400m vs. smaller)
- Number of lanes (6 or 8)
- Certification level required
- Site preparation needs
- Additional event areas (long jump, shot put, etc.)
AYANA's Track Portfolio
AYANA completed a 3,200 SQM EPDM running track at Al Wakra for Karma Trading-KTS — one of Qatar's premier athletics facilities. Our installation team follows strict IAAF protocols to ensure competition-grade quality.
Planning a running track? Contact AYANA at +974 51666002 for expert guidance and a free project assessment.