IAAF World Athletic Manual

A proper Track & Field competition requires three zones: running area, jumping area and throwing area.

Let's see what the IAAF Regulations say about the facilities:

ARTICLE 140- The Track and Field Facility.

Any firm and even surface, conforming to the specifications defined in the IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual, may be used for athletics. Track and Field competitions conducted in accordance with Art. (a), (b), (c) and (d) and competitions controlled directly by the IAAF may only take place on facilities with synthetic surface tracks conforming to the "IAAF Performance Specifications for Synthetic Surfaces" and having a current IAAF Class 1 Certificate of Approval.

It is recommended that where such facilities are available, competitions in accordance with Rule 1.1 (e), (f) (g) and (h) should also be held there. In any event, a Class 2 Certificate confirming the dimensional accuracy of the athletics testing facilities, in the format required under the IAAF Certification Scheme, shall be required for all facilities intended for use for competitions organised under Article 1.1 (a) to (h).

Note (i): The IAAF Track and Field Facility Manual, published in 2003 and available from the IAAF General Secretariat, contains detailed and accurate descriptions for the planning and construction of track and field facilities and includes additional graphics for track measurement and marking. Note (ii): An official form of the Facility Measurement Certificate may be requested from the IAAF and is also available on the IAAF website. Note (iii): This Article does not apply to running and walking events organized on road or cross-country courses.

ARTICLE 160- The Measurements of a Track

1. The length of a standard race track shall be 400 meters. The track shall have two parallel straights and two curves whose radii shall be equal. Unless it is a grass track, the inside of the track shall be bounded by a kerb of suitable material, approximately 5 cm. high and a minimum of 5 cm. wide.

If a section of the kerb has to be moved temporarily for competitions, its location shall be marked by a white line 5 cm. wide and by plastic cones or flags, at least 20 cm. high, placed on the white line so that the edge of the base of the cone or flagpole coincides with the edge of the white line closest to the track and at intervals not exceeding 4 m. This shall apply in the same way to the section of the obstacle course where athletes leave the general perimeter of the running track to cross the estuary. For a grass track without a curb, the inner edge shall be marked with 5 cm wide lines. In addition, flags shall be placed at 4 m intervals. These flags shall be placed on the line in such a way as to prevent the athletes from running over it, and shall be fixed at an angle of 60 degrees to the ground outside the track.

The most suitable for this purpose shall be approximately 25 x 20 cm. in size, mounted on flagpoles 45 cm. long.

2. The measurement of the contour of the track shall be taken at 30 cm. to the outside of the inner curb of the track or, where there is no curb, at 20 cm. from the line that limits the inside of the track.

3. The distance of the race shall be measured from the edge of the starting line furthest from the finish line to the edge of the finish line nearest the start.

4. In all races up to and including 400 m., each athlete shall have an individual lane, 1.22 m. (+/- 0.01 m), marked by lines 5 cm. wide. All lanes shall have the same width. The inner lane shall be measured according to paragraph 2 above, while the other lanes shall be measured at 20 cm. from the outer edge of the respective inner line.

Note: In the measurement of the width of each lane, only the line to the right of the lane shall be included, in the direction of travel (See Articles 163.3 and 163.4).

5. In international meetings organized under Article 1.1 (a), (b) and (c) the track shall have 8 lanes.

6. The maximum permitted lateral slope of the lanes shall not exceed 1:100 and the total downhill gradient in the direction of the race shall not exceed 1:1000. Note: It is recommended that, in the case of all new runways, the first slope should be towards the inner side.

7. Technical information on track construction, layout and marking can be found in the IAAF Track and Field Facilities Manual. This Article contains the basic principles that must be followed.

Let us then look at the basic concepts of the layout of a "standard" athletics track according to the provisions of the I.A.A.A.F. MANUAL OF ATHLETICS FACILITIES.

C H A P T E R I   "COMPETITION AREA" 1.1.

1.1 General Remarks

The track and field facility includes competition areas for running, race walking, jumping and throwing. These areas are normally integrated within the stadium, the design of which is determined by the 400 m "circular" track. The competition zones are first considered individually and then with respect to their integration into the stadium. The given dimensions must be respected. After each quantity, the permitted deviations are shown as tolerances (+, +/-, -).

1.1.1 TYPES OF COMPETITION FACILITIES

1.1.1.1.1 Competition area for races

The competition area for races includes:

The "Circular" Track with at least 4 lanes (400 m.+ 0.04 x 1.22 m. ± 0.01) and the safety zones measuring not less than 1.00 m. inside the track and preferably 1.00 m. outside.

The straight with at least 6 lanes (100 m. + 0,02 x 1,22 m. ± 0,01 for sprint races and 110 m. + 0.02 x 1.22 m. ± 0.01 for hurdles races). The starting area: 3 m. minimum.

The area after the finish line: 17 m. minimum.

The steeplechase track is the same as the "circular" track with a permanent "ria" (3.66 m x 3.66 m x 0.70 m) located on the inside or outside of the second curve.

1.1.1.2 Competition area for jumps

The competition area for jumps includes:

The facility for the long jump with a corridor ( 40 m. minimum x 1.22 m ± 0.01), the jump board (1.22 m. ± 0.01 x 0.20 m. ± 0.02 x 0.10 m ± 0.01) located between 1 and 3 m. from the nearest edge of the drop pit, and the drop pit (minimum 2.75 m. wide and with the far end not less than 10 m. from the line of the jump line).

The installation for the triple jump is the same as for the long jump, except in international competitions where the jumping board is located 13 m. for men and 11 m. for women, from the nearest edge of the fall pit. For any other type of competition this distance shall be appropriate for the level of the competition.

The high jump facility with a semicircular corridor (minimum 20 m. radius) and a drop zone (minimum 5 m. x 3 m.).

Pole vault facility with a corridor (minimum 40 m. x 1.22 m. ± 0.01), pole vault box and drop zone (minimum 6.50 m. x 5 m.).

Competition area for throwing events

The competition area for throwing events includes:

The discus throwing facility with throwing circle (2.50 m. ± 0.005 diameter), protective cage and drop sector (80 m. radius, 54.72 m. of rope).

The hammer throwing facility with throwing circle (2.135 m. ± 0.005 m. diameter), protective cage and drop sector (90 m. radius, 61.56 m. of rope).

The javelin throwing facility with corridor (30 m. at 36.50 m. x 4 m.), arch with a radius of 8 m. and drop sector (100 m. radius, 50.00 m. of rope).

The shot put facility with throwing circle (2.135 m. ± 0.005 diameter), container (1.22 m. ± 0.01 x 0.112 x 0.10 m. ± 0.02) and drop sector (25 m. radius, 17.10 m. of rope).

1.1.1 LOCATION FOR COMPETITION

1.1.2.1 Standard location

When constructing athletics facilities, special consideration should be given to the position of the sun at critical times of the day and wind conditions.

To avoid the dazzling effect of the sun when it is low, the longitudinal axis of the tracks should be on the north-south axis, although it is possible to deviate to the north-northeast and north-northwest.

The strength and direction of local winds shall also be taken into account.

1.1.2.2 Exceptions to the standard location

Deviations from the standard positions in specific facilities (high jump, pole vault) are permitted if the stadium is located in a place where the sun's rays do not reach these facilities.

Where deviations from standard positions are determined by local conditions (location on a steep hill, unfavorable terrain layout, existing housing developments), any possible disadvantages this may cause to the athletes should be carefully considered. Particularly significant disadvantages may necessitate the choice of an alternative site.

1.1.2.3 Location of spectator stands

Grandstands should face east, if possible. Where there are two grandstands facing each other, or full grandstands around the track, this applies to the main grandstand.

1.1.3. SLOPES OF TRACKS AND AISLES

1.1.3.1 Competition area for races

The following maximum slopes shall apply in the competition area for races:

0.1 % downhill slope in the direction of the race. If the slope of the speedway as part of a Standard Track varies, the slope shall be measured in a straight line between the start line and the finish line.

1.0 % side slope towards the inner lane.

1.1.3.2 Competition Zone for Jumps

The following maximum slopes shall be applied to the competition zone for jumps:

0.1% downward slope in the running direction for the long jump, triple jump and pole vault.

If the slope of the competition area as part of a Standard Track varies, the slope shall be measured in a straight line between the start of the corridor and the batting line.

0.25 % downward slope in the direction of the run for the high jump. 1.0 % of lateral inclination for the long jump, triple jump and pole vault. 1.1.3.3 Competition area for throwing events

The following maximum slopes shall apply to the competition zone for throws:

0.1 % downward slope in the running direction for the javelin. If the slope of the competition area as part of a Standard Track varies, the slope shall be measured in a straight line between the beginning of the corridor and the throwing arc.

1.0 % sideways slope of the javelin corridor.

0.1 % downward inclination in the throwing direction for the shot put, discus, javelin and hammer sectors.

The shot put, discus and hammer circles shall be flat.

1.1.4 LAYOUT OF THE FACILITIES

When deciding on the layout of the facilities, importance should be given to the necessary movement of the athletes during the competition. The paths between the auxiliary rooms and the competition areas should be as short as possible and should not interfere with the events taking place. Since an optimal layout for the competition is almost impossible, the use of the facilities should be well planned to make the development of the competition as practical and safe as possible.

The entrances and exits of the track must be equally well planned. One of them should be located immediately after the finish line to take athletes off the track to the mixed zone and post-competition activities.

Other entrances should be located at the remaining corners of the track, and preferably at the exits of the sprint events, to facilitate the entry of athletes onto the track and to set up the competition venues. Provisions should also be made for the transportation of competition material and artifacts.

A suitable passageway should be provided linking the track to the road course for the marathon and other events taking place partly outside the stadium.

1.2 Racing facilities

Track events include sprint, middle and long distance, hurdles and steeplechase events.

The direction of the race is counterclockwise.

The 400 m "circular" track normally forms the basis of a multi-sport facility. Its dimensions depend, therefore, on the requirements of other sports. If the straight and the steeplechase are integrated into the "circular" track, the deviations from Section 1.1.3 will increase in the longitudinal inclinations of some areas. Although there are several different layouts of the 400 m "circular" track, it is an objective of the IAAF to create uniform criteria, not only with a view to improving the performance parameters necessary to provide all athletes with the same opportunities and to suit the competition but also to simplify the principles of construction, inspection and certification of the facilities.

Recent experience has shown that the most suitable 400m "circular" tracks are constructed with curve radii between 35 and 38m, with an optimum radius of 36.5m.

The IAAF currently recommends that all future tracks should be constructed in accordance with the latter and be referred to as "Standard 400m track".

For further details see 1.2.1 to 1.2.3. For details of other 400 m. track layouts, see 1.2.1.8.

1.2.1 THE STANDARD 400 M TRACK.

1.2.1.1.1 Layout (Fig. 1.2.3a and 1.2.1.1a)

The Standard 400 m. Track has the advantages of being a simple construction, the straight and curved sections are almost the same length and of uniform curves, which are more suitable for the athletes' running pace. In addition, the inside area of the track is large enough to accommodate all throwing events and a standard soccer field (68 m. x 105 m.).

The 400 m. Standard Track is composed of two semicircles, each with a radius of 36.50 m., joined by two straight lines, each with a length of 84.39 m. (Fig. 1.2.3a). This graph indicates that the inner edge of the runway should have a curb with a height of 0.05 m. to 0.065 m. and a width of 0.05 m. to 0.25 m.

The internal edge of the runway has a length of 398.12 m. (36.50 m. x 2 x π + 84.39 m. x 2) where π = 3.1416. This length of the inner edge of the runway gives a length of 400.00 m. (36.80 m. x 2 x π + 84.39 m. x 2) for the theoretical running line (measuring line) at a distance of 0.30 m. from the curb.

The inner street (street 1) will therefore have a length of 400.00 m. along its theoretical running line. The length of each of the remaining lanes will be measured along a theoretical running line 0.20 m from the outer edge of the adjacent inner lane line (Fig. 1.2.1.1.1b).

All lanes have a width of 1.22 m. ± 0.01. The 400 m. Standard Track has 8, 6 and occasionally 4 lanes.

Figure 1.2.3a - Shape and dimensions of the 400 m Standard Runway (Radius of 36.50 m).

Figure 1.2.1.1a - Layout plan and dimensions of the 400 m Standard Track.

1.2.1.2 Gradients

The curb of the 400 m Standard Runway shall be placed horizontally along its entire length.

The lateral slope towards the inside of the track shall not exceed 1.0 % and the total downward slope in the running direction shall not exceed 0.1 %.

Length of the 400 m Standard Track.

2 straights of 84.39 m. each: 168.78 m.

2 semicircular curves (racing line) of 36.80 m x 3.1416 = 115.61 m. each: 231,22 m.

Total 400.00 m.

1.2.1.3 Dimensional Accuracy

The dimensional accuracy required for all kinds of competitions is considered to be achieved if the following values are achieved at the outer edge of the inner curb of the track in the "Measurements of the 28 Control Points" (Fig. 1.2.1.4a):

84.39 m. ± 0.005 m. on each of the two straight lines (2 measurements).

36.50 m. ± 0.005 m. at the 12 points of the semicircle (including the curb) at the arc of the circle spaced approximately 10.42 m. apart (24 measurements).

Alignment of the curb in the area of the two straight lines: deviations shall not exceed 0.01 m. (2 measurements).

Measurement of the 28 control points shall be carried out and the measurements noted. The average of the deviations shall not exceed + 0.04 m. and shall not be less than 0.00 m. (Table 1.2.1.4).

Fig. 1.2.1.4a - Measurement of the 28 control points of the 400 m Standard Track.

P/V = Prerequisite: The distance from the centers of the semicircles (CP/M): 84,39 m. (± 0,005).

Measurement of 1-12 and 14 -25: 36.50 m. respectively (recommended (± 0.005).

Measurement of 13 and 26: 84.39 m. respectively (± 0.005 recommended). 27 and 28: alignment of straight lines (a deviation of 0.01 m. is allowed). The checked measurements of 1-12 and 14-27 should be equalized (compensated) in the light of the measurement record of the 28 control points (Table 2.2.1.4). The calculated track length after compensation cannot be less than 400.00 m. nor more than 400.04 m.

These control measurements also form the basis of the kerbing layout on the dimensional accuracy of which the dimensional accuracy of all 400 m Standard Track markings depends. They can also be used for other 400 m "circular" tracks if the relevant straight and radius measurements are included (see 1.2.1.8).

For the construction of the arcs and for the measurements of the 28 control points, the centers of the two semicircles, located 84.39 m apart, are to be marked with permanent and corrosion-proof metal tubes.

The diameter of the pipe shall be about 12 mm, the net height above the road surface (foundation) shall be 0.15 m, the minimum diameter of the foundation shall be 0.20 m, the minimum depth shall be 1 m to frost-free ground and the top edge shall be o.15 m below the surface (Fig. 1.2.1.4b).

Figure 1.2.1.4b - Marking of the center of the semicircle (Proposed construction) (Dimensions in meters) 1 Stainless steel screw
2 hollow cavity covered with stainless steel lid
3 stainless steel hollow cavity placed inside the mortar in an exact vertical position
4 Steel pipe in concrete foundation 5 Gravel sand

1.2.1.4 Safety

The 400 m Standard Track shall have an interior obstacle free zone at least 1.00 m wide and should have an exterior obstacle free zone at least 1.00 m wide. Any drainage system located under the curb must be flat with the surface and at the same level as the runway.

The outside obstacle free zone must also be level with the outside edge of the track.

1.2.1.5 Marking (Fig. 1.2.1.6a)

All lines shall be painted white. The outer line of each lane, in running direction, is included in the measurement of the lane width. All starting lines (except curved starting lines) and the finishing line shall be drawn at right angles to the lane lines.

Immediately before the finish line, the lanes may be marked with numbers of a minimum height of 0.50 m. read in the direction of the race.

All markings are 0.05 m. wide.

All distances are measured clockwise from the edge of the finish line closest to the start line to the edge of the start line furthest from the finish. The data for the staggered starts of the 400 m Standard Track are given in Table 1.2.1.6a.

All lanes and starting lines shall be measured as indicated in Section 2.2.1.4. The deviation of the race length of all starting lines shall not exceed + 0.0001 x L nor be less than 0.00 m., where L is the length of the race in meters.

All track markings shall be in accordance with the "IAAF 400m Standard Track Marking Plan".

Except where their use may interfere with the Photo-Finish equipment, two white posts may be placed along the prolongation of the finish line, located not less than 0.30 m. from the edge of the track. They shall be of rigid construction and approximately 1.40 m. high, 0.08 m. wide and 0.02 m. thick.

To aid the alignment of the Photo-Finish equipment and to facilitate the reading of the film, the intersections of the lane lines with the finish line shall be painted black with a suitable design.

The essential requirement for all starting lines, straight, staggered or curved, is that the distance for each athlete, when taking the shortest permitted course, shall be the same, and not less than the stipulated distance, i.e. no negative tolerance.

For races of 800 m. and below, each athlete shall have an individual lane at the start. Races up to and including 400 m. shall be run entirely in lanes. 800 m. races shall start and continue on lanes (Fig. 1.2.1.6b) until the end of the first curve (Fig. 1.2.1.6c and Table 1.2.1.6b).

The exit from the first corner shall be clearly painted with a 0.05 m. wide line ("clear" lane line) across the track and marked with a flag at least 1.50 m. high placed on each side of the track to indicate the place where riders may leave their lanes (Fig. 1.2.1.6c).

To help competitors identify the "free" lane line, small cones or prisms with a base (5 cm x 5 cm), and a maximum height of 15 cm and of the same color as the "free" lane line may be placed at the intersections of each lane and the "free" lane line. Races longer than 800 m. shall be run without lanes using a curved starting line.

THE STRAIGHTAWAY AS A COMPONENT OF THE STANDARD 400 M TRACK.

1.2.2.1 Layout

(Fig1.1.1.2.1) The straight with a minimum of 6 lanes is integrated into the 400 m "circular" track. m. All distances are measured backwards from the edge of the finish line closest to the start line. The straight shall include a starting area of a minimum of 3 m. and a distance of a minimum of 17 m. after the finish line.

If the track has a loose mineral (granule) surface, it is recommended that the straightaway have one more lane than the "Circular" track, to preserve the inner lane which is the most frequently used.

1.2.2.2.2. Slopes

At the start and at the finish of the straight that extends beyond the "Circular" runway, the lateral slope of the "Circular" runway (maximum 1.0%) is continued uniformly. As a consequence, in the exit area of the straight there will be, in some parts, a slope of more than 0.1%.

In these parts, it is not possible for the requirements for both lateral and longitudinal inclinations to be met. It is essential, therefore, to comply with the longitudinal inclination along the straight between the start line and the finish line in the middle of the track. For example, the starting line of the 100 m. may not be more than 0.10 m. and the 110 m. no more than 0.11 m. above the finish line.

1.5. Layout of the "Standard Competition Area".

This area is recommended by the IAAF as the Standard Competition Area.

The competitions are evenly distributed around the track to avoid congestion and to meet the needs of the spectators.

The layout avoids excessive disorganization of the events during ceremonies and compensates for the concentration of interest in the finish area.

The layout is, of course, flexible. Local weather conditions, particularly wind conditions and the effects of the sun's rays on the high jumpers and pole vaulters, must be taken into account.

Figure 1.5 shows the layout of the various competitions in the two semicircles and the long jump and triple jump corridors outside the running track.

Figure 1.5 - Standard layout of the competition facility

1 Soccer field
2 Standard Track
3 Long jump and triple jump facility
4 "Estuary
5 Javelin corridor
6 Discus and Hammer Throw Facility
7 Discus Throw Facility
8 Pole vault facility
9 Shot put facility
10 High jump facility 11 Goal line
11 Finish line