How are some tracks 'faster' than others?

Question

Sometimes I hear a sprinter talking about how a particular track is fast and will help in their performance. How is this so? What makes track surface better than another?

Answer 1

Some tracks have longer straight-a-ways and shorter curves while others have longer curves and shorter straight-a-ways. Its not about the surface of the track.

Answer 2

Lots of things come into play ... all having to do with physics.

The friction the track makes with your shoe, how much give there is to the track, how well the spikes dig in, and the location as well. Location: If there are large hills around, or the track is surrounded by a stadium, there is less wind. Thus, it is a faster track.

You'll notice the difference. You'll see some tracks that you just don't like, and others you will love.

Answer 3

Well the different surfaces do help. I'm not sure what the fastest one's are.

Answer 4

Well some tracks have longer straightaways or wider curves then other tracks. It all depends on your knowledge of what you should do and how you should do if you come across a track you are not familiar with. =)

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Answer 5

Some tracks seem smaller, and the surfaces might be different. Also, some tracks seem like it's always  windy there!  There's one track close to me. I go there a lot and it's only not bene windy like 2 or 3 times. lol

Answer 6

some tracks are harder than others...as in made of different material..the harder the track the faster the run

Answer 7

Some tracks seem smaller than others thus making you feel as thought you have a shorter distance although you really don't.

Answer 8

Mondo was the track surface used for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, it was for years considered to be the fastest in the world. Athletes often said it was like running on air. Until recently when a new company came along with what they claim to be even better. This new surface was installed at Hayward Field in Oregon for the 2008 Olympic trials (so I guess we will see just how fast it is.)

How fast a track is depends on a few things. #1 is the surface. A good track surface uses a little physics. When a runners foot comes down on the track this is what happens. If the track is soft the impact for the foot will absorbed by the track but nothing will be given back. So knowing that a soft bouncy track is not the best. It may be good on the shins but it is not good for speed. But if a track is to hard you will come up with a lot of injuries so a happy medium must be found. This is why most good tracks put a layer of pavement down, than the put lots of small layers of rubber to make it harder instead of 1 thick layer of hard rubber.

Cinder track as you probably already know is just not good at all. It is harder to get good traction on a cinder track and they are just terrible when it rains. also, cheap tracks made out of shredded tires are also bad. They are way to soft to be good.

#2 contributor to how fast a track is, is the natural surroundings. As a person said above if there are tall mountains around to block the wind that is great. (link for Lock Haven example.) Some tracks in cities or build in huge stadiums have this same advantage because the have buildings around them.

Some tracks also have wind advantages such as my track. My track always had a little tailwind on the 100 straight and I have been to other tracks that were the same way as well.

I hope this helps answer your questions. Have a good day.

Answer 9

Tracks made up of recycled tire are pretty slow tracks.  Cinder tracks are even slower.  The fastest tracks are very hard.  For instance, the track used in the 1996 atlanta olympic games was the hardest allowable track surface ever used by the usatf governing body.  Harder tracks allow you to transfer more energy from your foot to the surface and propel you forward faster.  Softer tracks absorb the impact shock and slow you down by dissipating the input energy.