Track design is a critical technical decision that directly affects athletic performance and athlete safety. Facilities hosting professional competitions, university campuses, municipal stadiums, and high-performance sports academies all seek running track systems that comply with international standards. At this point, the IAAF certified sandwich system stands out as one of the most reliable solutions.
What Is the IAAF Certificate and Why Is It Important?
IAAF is the abbreviation of the International Association of Athletics Federations. An IAAF certificate is an official approval that verifies a running track system complies with international athletics competition standards. This certification is only granted to systems that meet specific performance, safety, and durability criteria.
Therefore, the use of an IAAF certified track system is mandatory for facilities that will host official athletics competitions. However, beyond compliance, certified systems are also widely preferred in many other project types due to their long lifespan and superior performance.
What Is a Sandwich System?
A sandwich system is a prefabricated rubber track system consisting of multiple layers. In this system, an elastic base layer made of black rubber granules is first applied onto the surface. Then a colored top layer containing EPDM granules is installed. This two-layer structure provides both flexibility and durability.
The system is called a “sandwich” due to its dual-layer composition. In some variations, additional insulation or drainage layers can also be added between the base and top layers.
Technical Features of Sandwich System Running Tracks
- IAAF-compliant energy return and deformation values
- High mechanical abrasion resistance; ideal for intensive training and competition schedules
- UV-resistant EPDM top layer; maintains color vibrancy for many years
- Surface texture providing consistent grip under all weather conditions
- Compatible with drainage systems; quickly removes rainwater
- Customizable with different color combinations
Which Projects Are Suitable for Sandwich Systems?
Official Athletics Stadiums
For stadiums hosting national and international athletics competitions, an IAAF certified sandwich system is a mandatory requirement. The performance parameters of this system are designed for competitive athletics conditions.
University Athletics Facilities
Athletics facilities in higher education institutions must meet both training and official competition requirements. The sandwich system provides an ideal solution for this dual-purpose use. It also offers a long-term, low-maintenance advantage within university budgets.
Municipal and Public Sports Facilities
Athletics tracks built by municipalities serve a wide user base and intensive training schedules. The sandwich system meets these demands with its high durability and ensures long-term operation with low maintenance costs.
Sports Academies and High-Performance Centers
In professional athlete training environments, the quality of the training surface directly affects performance development. Therefore, high-performance centers prefer IAAF certified track systems to ensure athletes train under optimal conditions.
Comparison of Sandwich System with Other Track Systems
| Feature | Sandwich System | Full Pour System | Prefabricated Roll System |
| IAAF Certification | Yes | Yes | Yes (some models) |
| Installation Speed | Medium | Slow | Fast |
| Flexibility Adjustment | High | Medium | Limited |
| Maintenance Ease | Easy | Medium | Easy |
| Preferred Areas | Stadiums, universities, academies | Elite official facilities | Schools, municipal tracks |
Polin Kimya Running Track Systems
Polin Kimya manufactures running track systems and components compliant with IAAF standards for professional athletics facilities. For detailed information about our sports flooring systems, you can visit the following page:
For reference projects, technical content, and application examples, you can follow Polin Kimya’s social media channels: LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram
Contact the Polin Kimya team for technical consultancy and quotation for your athletics track project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IAAF certified track system only required for official competitions?
While IAAF certification is mandatory for official international and national athletics competitions, systems that meet these standards are also widely preferred in school, municipal, and academy projects due to their superior performance, long lifespan, and safety benefits for athletes.
How long does a sandwich system running track last?
With proper installation and regular maintenance, a sandwich system track can last approximately 10 to 15 years while maintaining IAAF performance standards. Local repairs in worn areas can further extend the system’s lifespan.
How is maintenance performed on sandwich system tracks?
Maintenance of sandwich system tracks includes regular cleaning, drainage inspection, and timely repair of surface damage. Annual inspections should identify worn areas, and local repairs should be carried out when necessary. This ensures long-term performance of the system.
