{"id":15801,"date":"2022-12-05T09:36:26","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T14:36:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trackandturf.com\/?p=15801"},"modified":"2023-09-20T12:56:44","modified_gmt":"2023-09-20T16:56:44","slug":"are-some-running-track-surfaces-faster-than-others","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trackandturf.com\/blog\/are-some-running-track-surfaces-faster-than-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Some Running Track Surfaces Faster Than Others?<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"Athletes who spend enough time running on various tracks may notice their times are better on certain surfaces than others. Athletic and business directors should recognize how these types of running tracks can directly impact an athlete\u2019s performance time. American Athletic Track and Turf, the East Coast\u2019s premier running track<\/a> and artificial turf builder, explains why some running track surfaces<\/a> produce faster running times than others and which surfaces are generally faster.\n

Factors That Dictate Faster Run Times<\/h2>\nSeveral aspects play a role in what makes some track surfaces produce faster running times. Because not every surface is designed the same, athletes might see their times vary depending on the running track. Factors that may determine run times include:\n

Ground Contact Time<\/em><\/h3>\n

Instead of making you faster, some track surfaces slow you down by increasing ground contact time. What this means is a runner\u2019s foot remains in contact with the ground for longer than it would on other surfaces, causing them to run slower.<\/p>\n

Softer surfaces that have slightly more give, such as clay and cinder running tracks, are known to increase ground contact time. Differences in ground contact may be hard to notice while running, but they can certainly make a large impact on overall run times.<\/p>\n\n

Shock Absorption<\/em><\/h3>\n

Another component in figuring out how much a running surface affects overall speed is the amount of shock it absorbs from a runner\u2019s strides. Surfaces that absorb a substantial amount of shock from runners are often softer, while running track surfaces that absorb very little shock are generally firmer, such as concrete and asphalt.<\/p>\n\n

Texture <\/em><\/h3>\n

The texture of a running track surface can also play a role in how fast it enables athletes to run. Generally, surfaces that offer more texture, such as rough-textured concrete and synthetic running track surfaces, provide a better grip. This added grip allows runners to stabilize their bodies much quicker and gives them sufficient friction to make their next stride faster, resulting in improved run times.<\/p>\n\n

Which Running Track Surfaces Are Faster?<\/h2>\nWhen looking for a track surface that can optimize a runner\u2019s potential and produce faster run times, athletic directors and facility managers should consider harder running track surfaces. Surfaces like asphalt and synthetic are sturdy enough to minimize shock absorption and ground contact time but also feature enough texture to provide runners with sufficient grip. These conditions are why some runners may feel they perform better when running on these types of surfaces.\n

What Else To Consider<\/h2>\nFor those in charge of athletic facilities, speed and performance are not the only aspects to consider when selecting a running track sport surface. You should also take the following into account:\n