How to Choose a Suitable Running Track

This article provides guidance on choosing a suitable running track from the perspectives of quality materials. It discusses plastic running tracks, rubber running tracks, and prefabricated running tracks, including their material characteristics and quality assessment methods. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a running track that meets your needs.

The following aspects can be considered when choosing a suitable running track.

I. Plastic Running Track

 
Material Characteristics:
Plastic running tracks are mainly composed of polyurethane prepolymers, mixed polyethers, waste tire rubber, EPDM rubber granules or PU particles, pigments, additives, and fillers.
They have the characteristics of good flatness, high compressive strength, appropriate hardness and elasticity, and stable physical properties. This is beneficial for athletes to exert their speed and skills, effectively improve athletic performance, and reduce the rate of falls.

Quality Judgment:

1. Appearance inspection: High-quality plastic running tracks have a flat surface without obvious cracks, blisters, delamination, and other defects. The color is uniform and bright and lasting.

2. Elasticity test: Walk or run on the running track to feel its elasticity. A running track with moderate elasticity can reduce the impact of exercise and protect joints. Professional elasticity testers can be used for measurement. Generally, the rebound value of plastic running tracks should be between 30% and 50%.

3. Wear resistance inspection: Scratch the surface of the running track with a sharp object to observe whether scratches are easily formed. Plastic running tracks with good wear resistance can withstand long-term use and abrasion.

4. Environmental protection detection: Check whether the product has environmental certification marks, such as China Environmental Labeling Product Certification and ISO14001 environmental management system certification. You can ask the supplier to provide an environmental testing report of the product to ensure that the content of harmful substances in the running track complies with national standards.

II. Rubber Running Track

 
Material Characteristics:
Rubber running tracks are usually composed of rubber particles and adhesives. Rubber particles can be natural rubber or synthetic rubber, and adhesives are generally polyurethane or epoxy resin.
Rubber running tracks have good elasticity and anti-slip properties, can provide better cushioning effects, and have a stronger protective effect on joints. At the same time, rubber running tracks have better sound absorption properties and can reduce noise pollution.

Quality Judgment:

1. Particle quality: Observe whether the size and shape of rubber particles are uniform and whether the color is consistent. High-quality rubber particles are soft, elastic, and free of impurities.

2. Adhesive quality: Check the adhesiveness and durability of the adhesive. Good adhesives can firmly bond rubber particles together and are not prone to particle shedding. You can pull the surface of the rubber running track by hand to see if particles are easily shed.

3. Odor: High-quality rubber running tracks should have no pungent odor. If there is a strong peculiar smell, it may be that the adhesive contains harmful substances or the quality of the rubber particles is poor.

4. Fire resistance: Rubber running tracks should have certain fire resistance to ensure that they will not burn and spread rapidly in case of fire. You can check the fire rating certification of the product.

III. Prefabricated Running Track

 
Material Characteristics:
Prefabricated running tracks are produced by factory prefabrication. The main materials are rubber, plastic, etc. Prefabricated running tracks have the characteristics of convenient installation, stable quality, and excellent performance.
They are usually divided into fully prefabricated and semi-prefabricated types. Fully prefabricated running tracks are completely prefabricated in the factory and only need to be spliced and installed on site; semi-prefabricated running tracks are partially prefabricated in the factory and partially constructed on site.

Quality Judgment:

1. Check the specifications and dimensions of the prefabricated running track to see if they meet the requirements. Check whether the splicing joints of the running track are flat, tight, and without obvious gaps.

2. Test the elasticity and wear resistance of the running track. Professional testing equipment can be used for measurement. Generally, the elasticity and wear resistance of prefabricated running tracks are relatively good.

3. Observe the color and appearance of the running track. High-quality prefabricated running tracks have uniform colors, no obvious color differences, smooth and flat surfaces, and no bubbles, cracks, and other defects.

4. Understand the production process and quality control system of prefabricated running tracks. Regular manufacturers will adopt advanced production processes and strict quality control systems to ensure stable and reliable product quality.