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How to Maintain Your Running Track 101: 4 Tips You Need
The lifespan of your athletic track depends on the way you care for it. We know this is probably not a shock to hear. But, let’s get real for a minute: how well do you know the steps to maintaining your running track? If you feel a bit foggy on answering that, we understand and, we’re here to help. Read on to learn about the four key steps to maintaining your running track the Motz365 Track Aide way.
Maintenance is important for just about everything in life, right? And running tracks are no exception, for several reasons. Understanding this is the best starting place for creating and executing a solid maintenance plan. If you are someone who appreciates a simple way to remember important information, you will love this: running track maintenance is important because of SOLE. (Safety, Opportunity, Longevity and Expense-Saver)
- SAFETY: A well-maintained track offers maximum cushioning and slip reduction to protect athletes. Maintenance plans also preserve the track’s hygiene – you want your track to be clean for its users.
- OPPORTUNITY: Running tracks are used by a lot of different people — especially if it’s a high school track; people in the community typically use it, too. A well maintained track allows athletes from different sports to use it for different types of training and conditioning.
- LONGEVITY: A well cared for running track can last years – often well into double-digits.
- EXPENSE-SAVER: The more time and energy you spend on maintenance and care, the less money you will have to spend on repairs and replacements.
Thankfully, we have four simple ways for you to preserve your track’s SOLE. You’ll want your whole team thoroughly trained on each of these steps.
Check out our four simple steps for keeping your track at olympic-grade:
1. Keep an Eye on Your Track
People tend to keep a closer watch on a track during the warmer months when it’s in heavy use, but it’s equally important year-round. Even Mother Nature’s seasons will add obstacles to keeping your track clean like falling leaves in the autumn, pollen in the spring and summer, and snow and ice in the winter. Keeping a watchful eye on your track throughout the seasons will keep your track ready to use no matter what the elements bring.
Point number two is making sure you are checking your track regularly, maybe even daily, for dirt and damage. Your track will definitely accumulate a good amount of dirt, mud, and grime, but checking in on a regular basis will show you how much grime you’re going to have to deal with. Be on the lookout for things like mowed grass from nearby, fallen tree branches, dirt, debris and even sand from long jump pits.
2. Sweep and Remove Debris
Don’t skip this step! It’s one of the main ways to keep athletes safe. Sweep regularly to remove materials that may cause athletes to slip like sand or mowed grass. Avoid using cleaning materials with tough steel bristles or anything that could damage your track. Instead, use tools with softer bristles so that they’re gentler on the track’s surface while still getting the job done. A leaf blower also works extremely well for removing objects from your track without risk of damage.
3. Rinse & Light Clean
It’s important to routinely rinse your track. This is especially true after large events where the track experiences a high amount of foot traffic. Without a regular light clean and rinse, you’ll notice sand, grime, and dirt start to build up on your track. Not only can buildup be dangerous to athletes, but it can also lead to growth of algae and/or moss, which can lead to bigger long-term track health issues.
Don’t worry – you don’t need to lather it with soap or cleaning agents. A rinse and light clean just includes hosing down the track and moving contaminants to the edge and off the track entirely. If you or your team has any questions about procedure or equipment related to this step, get in touch with a member of Motz365 Track Aide team – we’d be happy to answer any questions or even come out to you for a maintenance training session!
4. Deep Clean
Last but not least, every 3-4 years your track will need a deep clean to keep it in tip-top shape. The deep clean is a critical step that has several benefits, including:
- Revitalizing the color of the track (a properly done deep clean will make your track look nearly like it did on the day of it’s installation)
- Lengthen your track’s lifespan by preserving it’s health
- Preventing more serious damage that comes as a result of overgrowth
This is different from a rinse and light clean in technique as well as products used. It will typically include a pre-soak, pressurized cleaning (which is different from a power wash), disinfection and more. Motz365 Track Aide’s team takes great pride in being able to offer deep cleaning services to support your role as a busy athletic official. Let the pro’s take care of it for you this year! Get in touch with one of our team members to learn more today!
Can You Power Wash Your Track?
Short answer: NO!
This one often takes track facility owners by surprise. Nevertheless, it’s true! You do not want to damage your athletic track by using intense pressure washing. The force of the water could damage your running track. Instead, remember the following two tips for cleaning your track:
- Always start with a sweep the surface of your track to remove debris for basic cleaning
- An intensive track cleaning includes washing and cleaning to remove any dirt, stains, bacteria, and spills to create a safer track.
If your track is in need of a deep clean, leave it to the experts to ensure the integrity of your track is protected. To find out more about the cleaning process, as well as the deep clean service our team provides, check out our blog on what to expect when cleaning your track field.
How long does a running track last?
A track will last you 10-20 years with the proper cleaning, resurfacing care, and maintenance routine.
Each track is built with the ideal structures and materials that lead to a 10-20 year life. Keeping those structures and materials healthy with a high-performance maintenance plan is what makes the difference between 10 and 20. Motz365’s Track Aide team has the professional experience and tools to help with your routine cleaning and resurfacing. As you well know, a good team is what takes you from good to great. We want to get you and your track feeling great TODAY.
Can you drive on a running track?
Yes, you can drive on a running track. However, it is important to try to limit vehicles on your running track as much as possible. Every time a vehicle drives on your track, it creates an increased risk for dragging debris onto the surface and causing damage. Keeping our four maintenance tips in mind will help troubleshoot this risk.
RUNNING TRACK MAINTENANCE WITH MOTZ365 TRACK AIDE
At Motz, Track Aide is a pro, deep clean track cleaning service designed to effectively clean running tracks, both indoor and outdoor. We do this all without damaging the surface or diminishing painted lines. Motz365 Track Aide not only provides services but also tips that will help you master the cleaning and maintenance of your running track. Set up a call or check out Track Aide service options today. You won’t believe your eyes when you see the results!
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