How Much Does It Cost to Construct a Running Track?

Do you want to know how much it costs to construct a running track? If YES, here are 8 factors that determine the cost of constructing a running track.

Whether you are looking to construct an 8-lane polymeric athletics track or a 4-lane running track for school sports, it is never an easy feat especially since there are so many factors, limitations, and requirements to consider. First, you will have to consider if the builder you choose for your running track construction project meets all your criteria – including your budget.

Note that choosing the right builder with the right qualifications is pivotal for your project. Building a running track is not any old task that a landscaper, general contractor, or roofer can do. It is a highly specialized skill set that requires years of training and experience in running track construction.

In recent times, unqualified builders bring techniques from non-athletic construction into athletic construction, which can have undesired results.

Indeed cost is a very important factor in deciding what builder to go with. The lowest cost estimate may appear to be the most affordable option but have it in mind that it could become the most expensive option if not constructed properly.

Estimated Cost of Constructing a Running Track

With a wide variety of surfaces and specifications available, there’s no easy answer to this. However, according to a specific report, the startup costs of a standard running track in the United States will cost about $3-5 million. These expenses can be broken down as follows:

1. Cost of land: $1 million
2. Cost for construction (e.g. Landscaping, gravel runoffs, tire walls, grading, banking curves, etc.): $560, 000
3. Cost for mechanical and electrical works (e.g. Full close circuit TV, Crowd protection fence etc.): $523,000
4. Cost for site finishing (e.g. stands, external fittings, etc.): $109,000
5. Cost of equipment and needed amenities (e.g. office blocks, paddock, parking lots etc.): $1,080,000
6. Cost of design and project management (including salaries of project managers): $255,000
7. Legal Fees (e.g. Taxes, insurance, permits etc.): $410,000
8. Project development costs: $215,000

Although it may be tempting to reduce a running track startup expenses by making concessions on construction or technology costs, properly constructing a track and using high-quality technology will, without doubt, keep ongoing expenses on the hook and affordable.

Note that reducing these upfront expenses can lead to prohibitively expensive ongoing costs because the tracks will require more maintenance to be kept in proper condition. Also remember that track surfaces can vary greatly.

Track durability, thickness, and surface-life likeness are primary factors to consider when choosing the right surface for you. The location and frequency of use are also essential factors to keep in mind to determine what material you will need for your running track.

Deciding on the materials and type of track surface to install can be complicated so it is important to know your options. Have it in mind there are so many factors that will affect and influence the cost of constructing a running track. These factors include;

8 Factors That Will Influence the Cost of Constructing a Running Track

1. Number of Lanes

The biggest factors in price will be the chosen surface type and the required number of lanes. For instance, the average cost of an 8-lane 400m running track with full PU polyurethane solid surface will be in the region of $900,000, where a 2-lane 400m running track with a porous surface will start at around $265,000.

Generally speaking, an 8-lane 400m athletics track will be between $540,000 – $900,000, though there are a number of other factors that can vastly impact the overall cost of athletics track construction.

2. Environmental Mitigation Methods

Environmental mitigation is indeed a top priority for many organizations and governing bodies. A good builder will incorporate various measures into the design, such as the management of water run-off and drainage.

The design of drainage will differ depending on whether the surface of the running track being constructed is porous or non-porous. Every running track needs a drainage system to support the chosen track type and ensure that poor weather won’t compromise performance.

3. Regulatory Requirements

The initial stage of the process is developing and finalizing the design of your athletics track, prior to obtaining planning permission. Once planning permission is granted, technical drawings and specifications are created. Approvals from regulatory agencies can sometimes be costly. These costs also need to be considered during the cost estimate.

4. Labor

Labor wages vary from place to place. Therefore, the local wage rate should be considered in the calculation. If the project has to be started after several months of estimating the project cost, the probable variation in wage rates has to be considered in the calculation.

5. Reputation of Builder

The smooth running of your track construction is necessary for the project to complete in time. If a contractor is comfortable working with a particular engineer, or engineering firm, the project will run smoother and will be more cost-effective.

6. Construction Site Conditions

Groundwork are usually undertaken to prepare the land and provide that all important foundation for the new track. This will follow the necessary surveys, reports, and designs approved in the design and planning stage and include work such as earth excavation and stripping topsoil. Note that project site conditions can increase construction costs.

Site conditions such as poor soil conditions, wetlands, contaminated materials, conflicting utilities (buried pipe, cables, overhead lines, etc.), environmentally sensitive area, ground water, river or stream crossings, heavy traffic, buried storage tanks, archaeological sites, endangered species habitat, and similar existing conditions, etc. can increase the project cost during construction phase if these variations are not considered during estimation.

7. Ancillary equipment

Ancillary equipment includes items like hurdles, hammers, and discuss netting, as well as the construction of fencing, floodlighting, spectator areas, and pavilions. Civil engineering work is nearly always required in sports construction, whether this be access pathways and hard standings, or new roadways and car parks. This may need to be factored into your overall development costs.

8. Inflation Factor

A running track project can continue for years before completion. During the construction period, the cost of materials, tools, labor, equipment, etc. may vary from time to time. These variations in the prices should be considered during the cost estimation process.

Conclusion

Maintenance, repairing, and resurfacing are normal during the life of a track. Once the project has progressed through the design and planning stage (usually the longest part of the project’s progress) a bespoke construction program will be agreed upon.

The typical length of time on-site to construct a new 8-lane 400m running track is generally between 10-12 weeks, with resurfacing in the region of 6-8 weeks.