When planning a new running track—whether for a school, stadium, public park, or private sports club—budget is almost always a critical factor. But cost shouldn't mean compromise. With the right choice of material and supplier, it's absolutely possible to install a high-quality track surface that's both durable and cost-effective. In this article, we'll explore the key considerations to help you select the best-value running track material for your project.

Before comparing costs, it's important to understand your options. The most common running track surfaces include:

Traditional Polyurethane (PU) Tracks: Popular for many years, but often require in-situ mixing and long curing times.

Prefabricated Rubber Tracks: Factory-produced and delivered in rolls or panels, ready to install.

EPDM Spray-Coated Tracks: Made with a base layer topped with sprayed EPDM rubber granules, less durable over time.

Acrylic or Painted Asphalt Tracks: Cheap upfront, but low in performance and durability.

Choosing a cost-effective track doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest option. Instead, it involves evaluating:

A material that is slightly more expensive at the start but lasts twice as long with little maintenance is often the smarter investment.

At NovoTrack, we specialize in prefabricated rubber running tracks—and for good reason.

Advantages include:

In long-term cost comparisons, prefabricated systems typically outperform on-site poured or sprayed systems, especially in challenging climates.

If you're working with a limited budget, consider these strategies:

Focus on installing the full-spec running lanes first. Auxiliary zones (like long jump runways or warm-up areas) can be completed in stages.

Choosing an 13-15mm prefabricated track instead of custom thick layers can significantly reduce material costs while maintaining performance.

Working with manufacturers like NovoTrack—who provide direct factory pricing—can eliminate the middleman and cut your costs by 10-30%.

Unless hosting elite international competitions, there's no need for Olympic-grade features. Many high schools and universities thrive with mid-tier systems.

Project: Secondary School in Kenya

Requirement: 200m track with 4 lanes

Challenges: Tight budget, limited skilled labor

Solution: NovoTrack supplied a prefabricated rubber roll system, installed by a local team with remote guidance. The result was:

This case proves that with the right materials and planning, even small institutions can afford high-performance tracks.

Over a decade, maintenance costs alone can make or break your budget. Choosing a surface that requires minimal upkeep saves both money and downtime.

Transparency from your supplier is key to avoiding hidden costs or future performance issues.

Prefabricated systems may appear mid-range in material costs, but their lower installation and maintenance expenses make them the most balanced choice.

If your project is cost-sensitive, don't be tempted by the lowest upfront price. The most cost-effective running track material is the one that offers the best combination of durability, safety, performance, and low maintenance—and prefabricated rubber often fits this profile perfectly.

With the right supplier, like NovoTrack, you can meet your budget without sacrificing quality.