5 Signs Your Athletic Track Needs Repairs Before the Next Season

As another athletics season approaches, now’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your running track. Even the best-built tracks wear down over time from heavy use, changing weather and constant exposure to the elements. What might start as a small crack or faded line can turn into a safety issue or costly resurfacing job if ignored for too long.

At Smart Surfacing, we’ve seen how routine inspections and early repairs make a huge difference in extending a track’s lifespan. To help you spot problems before they escalate, here are five clear signs that your athletic track might need repairs before the next season begins.

1. Cracks, Bubbles or Uneven Areas

Cracks or bubbles on your running track are early warning signs that the surface is beginning to break down. These flaws can appear due to constant foot traffic, weather changes or water getting underneath the surface. If left untreated, cracks expand and allow more moisture to seep in, weakening the layers beneath and creating uneven areas.

Uneven surfaces don’t just look bad, they can be dangerous for users. Athletes could trip, twist an ankle or lose confidence in their footing. A quick inspection from a professional can determine whether a simple patch repair will solve the issue or if deeper resurfacing work is needed. Fixing cracks early is one of the easiest ways to avoid a full reconstruction later.

2. Faded or Patchy Line Markings

Clear, bright line markings are essential for training sessions and competitions. Over time, exposure to the sun, rain and constant use causes these lines to fade, especially around start lines, relay zones and curves. When markings become hard to see, it affects both performance and safety, as athletes can lose track of their lanes or struggle to measure accurate distances.

Professional running track restriping restores those lines and gives your athletic track a fresh, professional look. It’s a relatively quick job but makes a huge difference, especially if your school or club is hosting events or looking to attract new members.

3. Worn or Slippery Surface

If your track surface feels smoother or more slippery than usual, or you’ve noticed loose rubber granules across the lanes, unfortunately this is a clear sign of wear. The top rubber layer provides grip and shock absorption. Once that layer thins out, athletes are more likely to slip or strain muscles due to reduced cushioning.

Small worn patches can be repaired on their own, but for larger areas, a full resurfacing is usually the most cost effective option. This involves applying a fresh top layer of rubber or polyurethane and repainting the lines. The result is a safe, grippy surface that looks as good as new and performs to the high standard you expect for your running track.

4. Drainage or Pooling Problems

After it has been raining, we recommend checking your track for standing water or damp spots that don’t dry quickly. Puddles or poor drainage often indicate underlying problems with the subsurface or slope of your track. When water can’t drain properly, it slowly breaks down the surface and allows moss or algae to grow, making the track slippery and unsafe to use.

Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as cleaning blocked drains or channels. However, if the problem keeps returning, you might need professional athletic track maintenance to check the drainage system or resurface areas that have settled unevenly. Tackling these issues early protects your investment and keeps your athletics track usable all year round.

5. Discolouration or Algae Growth

A faded, patchy or green-tinged track might not seem urgent, however it’s a sign that the surface is losing its protective properties. Sunlight, rain and dirt all contribute to surface discolouration, while damp or shaded areas can quickly develop moss or algae. Apart from this causing the track to look bad, these growths make the surface slippery, especially after rain.

A professional clean can restore your track’s appearance and improve safety. Regular cleaning also helps extend the life of the surface by removing dirt that can break down the rubber layer. It is also a good point to repaint or recoat at this stage too, which refreshes the colour and gives the track a new lease of life.

When Repairs Aren’t Enough

Sometimes, damage goes beyond what patching or cleaning can fix. If you notice large cracks, persistent drainage issues or a generally soft and uneven surface, it may mean the running track needs resurfacing. Resurfacing involves removing the worn top layer, checking the base and drainage, and applying a new surface with fresh line markings.

It’s a more involved process but still far less costly than a full reconstruction. A professionally resurfaced track typically lasts another 8–15 years, depending on usage and maintenance, so it’s a smart investment for schools, leisure centres and clubs that want to keep their facilities in top condition for their community.

FAQs About the Benefits of Repairing Your Athletic Track

Why should I repair my running track instead of replacing it?

Repairing your athletics track early prevents small issues from developing into structural damage. It’s quicker, cheaper and helps protect the sublayers from moisture and wear. Regular maintenance also keeps your track safe and usable throughout the year.

How often should an athletics track be repaired or resurfaced?

Most running tracks need cleaning and small patch repairs annually, while resurfacing is usually required every 8 to 15 years depending on use. Regular inspections by a professional maintenance team can help you spot when it’s time for more significant work.

What are the main benefits of running track repairs?

Timely repairs improve safety, extend lifespan and help athletes perform at their best. A well-maintained track reduces the risk of injury, looks more appealing and saves money in the long run by preventing major reconstruction work.

Can I fix small track issues myself?

We don’t recommend doing this, as whilst a job may look simple from the outside, there are often elements that need more professional attention underneath. At Smart Surfacing we have the right tools, materials, and knowledge to ensure your repairs meet athletic standards and last for years.

How Can We Help?

A well-maintained running track is key to athlete safety, strong performance and a professional-looking facility. Whether your surface needs cleaning, patch repairs or a full resurface, our team at Smart Surfacing can help you get it ready before the next season begins.

Our experienced team offers expert athletic track repairs and resurfacing services across the UK, using durable materials and reliable methods to restore your running track’s quality and performance. If you’ve spotted any of the 5 signs mentioned above, we recommend not waiting until the problems get worse.

Please get in touch to discuss how we can help, we can provide our professional advice and recommendations. With the right repairs, we can help ensure your running track is transformed back to top condition for the season ahead.