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, colour 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 colour 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
- Low thermal expansion: critical for a running surface whose geometry must stay within IAAF tolerance across a 40°C seasonal temperature swing
Track System Components
1. Base Layer (Substructure)
- Compacted aggregate base (200–300 mm)
- Asphalt surface layer (30–50 mm)
- Must achieve flatness tolerance of ±3 mm over 3 m
- Drainage fall: 1% transverse
2. Elastic Layer
- SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber) bound with PU binder
- Thickness: 10–12 mm
- Provides primary shock absorption
3. EPDM Wearing Surface
- Full-pour EPDM granules bound with PU binder
- Thickness: 13 mm (standard IAAF specification)
- UV-stable pigments throughout
- Optional spray-coat finish for enhanced spike grip
IAAF / World Athletics Certification Requirements
For IAAF (now World Athletics) certification, the track must meet:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|
| Force Reduction | 35–50% |
|---|---|
| Vertical Deformation | 0.6–2.5 mm |
| Friction (wet) | ≥ 0.5 |
| Thickness | ≥ 13 mm |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 0.5 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ≥ 40% |
| Geometric tolerance | ±1 cm on lane width, ±1 cm on total length |
Certification Levels
- Class 1: International competitions (Olympic, World Championships, Diamond League)
- Class 2: National/regional competitions, training facilities
Training Tracks vs Competition Tracks
Not every track needs to be IAAF certified:
- Non-certified training track: meets IAAF geometric spec (400 m, 8 lanes) but doesn't submit for formal lab testing. Saves roughly 8–12% on project cost. Suitable for school training, club warm-ups, private facilities.
- IAAF Class 2: full certification, annual self-tests, full event markings. Good for universities, regional competition venues.
- IAAF Class 1: full certification with the most stringent performance tolerances and third-party annual audit.
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
- Levelled 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 (400 m)
- All event markings per IAAF specifications
Step 6: Testing & Certification (1 week)
- Independent laboratory testing
- Force reduction and deformation measurements
- IAAF product certification application
Colour Options
Standard IAAF track colours:
- Red/Terracotta (most common, classic athletics look)
- Blue (popular for modern facilities)
- Green (emerging trend for multi-sport facilities)
- Custom colours 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 localised damage
Cost Considerations
Running track costs in Qatar vary based on:
- Track size (standard 400 m vs smaller)
- Number of lanes (6 or 8)
- Certification level required
- Site preparation needs
- Additional event areas (long jump, shot put, etc.)
| Configuration | Area (SQM) | Budget Range (QAR) |
|---|
| 6-lane training track, non-certified | 3,000–3,500 | 1.2M – 1.8M |
|---|---|---|
| 8-lane Class 2 track, full events | 4,500–5,500 | 2.5M – 3.8M |
| 8-lane Class 1 track, full events, covered straight | 5,500–7,000 | 4.2M – 6.5M |
AYANA's Track Portfolio
AYANA completed a 3,200 SQM EPDM running track at Al Wakra for Karmah Trading-KTS — one of Qatar's premier athletics facilities. Our installation team follows strict IAAF protocols to ensure competition-grade quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many years before an EPDM track needs resurfacing? The full EPDM wearing layer typically needs replacement at 15–20 years. Top-coating (thin refresh) can extend useful life by 3–5 more years at roughly 30% of replacement cost.
Q: Can we resurface over an existing rubber track? If the existing surface is structurally sound, yes — a 5 mm EPDM overlay is common. If the base shows cracking, the entire system must come up.
Q: Does Qatar's humidity affect EPDM track installation? Yes. PU binders don't cure well above 85% relative humidity. We schedule Qatar installations for October–April and work early morning / late afternoon to stay within spec.
Q: What's the lead time for IAAF certification after install? 3–4 weeks for lab testing, report, and certification issuance. Plan for a soft-open during this window.
Q: Are spiked shoes OK on a standard EPDM track? Yes, up to 6 mm spike length. Longer spikes (pyramid or needle 9 mm) accelerate wear significantly — restrict to competition lanes only.
Q: Can the track host more than just athletics events? Mild recreational use is fine. Regular use by football, team sports, or vehicles voids the IAAF certification and warranty. Build a dedicated multi-use surface alongside if you need mixed use.
Planning a running track? Contact AYANA at +974 51666002 for expert guidance and a free project assessment.
