A. Area of Site

The standard for the width of the site, preferably in the east/west direction, may be from 70m to 104m and the length may range from 193m to 170m. For an equal quadrant track, using a single radius design and lanes at 1.067m each, these dimensions are approximately 183m x 83m for an eight lane track and 179m x 79m for a six lane track.

B. Additional Facilities

Additional area for grandstands, bleachers, site fencing and/or other facilities need to be added to the basic size of site.

In the investigation of the site, it is essential to determine the locations of all utility lines, (i.e. electric, gas, water, sewer and telephone) and to avoid construction over them when possible. Note other obstructions such as fences, trees, buildings, grandstands and bleachers.

If possible, the facility should be laid out so that the straightaways are parallel to the prevailing winds. This is especially important for all dashes and hurdle races as they need to be run either with the wind or against.

A major concern in site selection is to acquire proper drainage away from the track. Attempt to locate the track on a relatively level plane higher than the surrounding terrain in order to avoid excessive earth balancing. Extensive fill is not recommended and excessive cuts usually are cost prohibitive. Note: The rules of track construction allow for a maximum longitudinal slope of one tenth of one percent in the running direction.

A location should be selected that will allow for accessibility for both construction and use.

After review of the available sites, evaluate the stability of the soil conditions by running a soil analysis on the available locations. Select the site with the best soil for a good, hard, non-heaving subgrade. Avoid peat, topsoil, clay, shear sand or other recomposed materials. High ground water conditions also should be avoided.

In the design portion of the project, four basic concepts can be followed:

1. Equal Quadrant Tracks - which are 400m or 1312.34’ (minimum distance) tracks with 100m along each curve and 100m along each straightaway, measured along the measure line of lane one.

2. Non-Equal Quadrant Tracks - which are 400m or 1312.34’ (minimum distance) tracks, measured along the measure line of lane one, with two curved ends of equal radius and two straightaways equal in length but longer or shorter than the curves.

3. The IAAF Track - which specifies a 400m or 1312.34’ (minimum distance) track, measured along the measure line of lane one, with two curves of equal radius measuring 36.80m and two straightaways measuring 84.39m.

4. Double-Bend Tracks - which are 400m or 1312.34’ (minimum distance) tracks measured along the measure line of lane one, with two straightaways of equal length and two curves that are formed with two different radii. This configuration allows for a wider infield to accommodate a broader range of sports activities.

B. Measure Line

The measure line is defined as a theoretical line from which the distance of a running track is determined. This line is located 20cm from the running side of the painted line for each lane. In the case of a raised curb, the theoretical line is located 30cm from the running side of the raised curb for lane one.

The radius to the measure line of lane one is recommended to be not less than 90’ or more than 130’.  For a world record to be set, the radius of the outside lane should not exceed 50m (164.04’) except where the bend is formed with two different radii, in which case, the longer of the two arcs should not account for more than 60 degrees of the 180 degree turn.  It is recommended that the radii be permanently marked with a fixed monument.

The official sizes and needs of the interior playing fields should be a major consideration in dimensioning the running track:

MINIMUM FIELD SIZE

Field events located inside the track oval will have an effect on available playingsurface for other sports activities. Should space allow, every effort should be made to locate the long jump, triple jump and pole vault outside the track oval.

In determining dimensions of the track, the rules of the governing body of events to be held should be consulted:

International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF)
17 Rue Princesse-Florestine
BP359, MC 98007
Monaco
011-377-931-0888

USA Track & Field (USATF)
Suite 140
Hoosier Dome
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-261-0500

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
6201 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS 66211
913-339-1906

National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA)
P. O. Box 20626
Kansas City, MO 64195
816-464-5400

The location and configuration of the event areas will have a direct bearing on the configuration of the track. See Guideline III.D.

It is important to determine where the common finish line will be located in order to allow sufficient area in the chutes for staging. Finish line is recommended at the P.C. (point of curve). Every effort should be made to start the 200m at PC 3.  Chute length should be determined by measuring at least 115m back from the finish line.

When laying out the facility, consideration of proximity to storage sites for equipment and distances to transport large pads is important.

Consideration should be given to efficient administration of like events, location of timing devices and staging areas for the athletes.

The facility should be assessed from the spectator’s point of view with regard to accessibility of restrooms, concession areas and unobstructed view of all events.