IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008 Chapter 1 - General Aspects of Planning

The Certification System Procedures are available on the IAAF website (www.iaaf.org)
and from the IAAF Office upon request.

1.2 Use of Facilities

1.2.1 GENERAL
Sports facilities for Track and Field athletics are generally used for daily training
as well as for staging regional or local competitions. The staging of competitions at
higher levels normally entails more extensive requirements for the sports facility,
particularly in respect of the infrastructure.

1.2.2 UNIFORM SPORTS FACILITIES

In order to ensure equal conditions for all athletes, uniform facilities are necessary
particularly since competitions are held in many different venues. Furthermore, the
athletes need the same conditions for training that they will find in competition. This
manual is subdivided into different competition categories (1.3) and construction
categories (1.5) on the basis of competition requirements.
For training in high-performance training centres, for example, it is possible to deviate
from a particular Construction Category by providing additional opportunities for
training such as a special throwing field, two sprint tracks, and a special landing mat
for High Jump or more individual facilities.

1.2.3 ADDITIONAL USE FOR SPORTING ACTIVITIES

It is normal for an athletics track to be used for other sports. Generally, this
involves using the interior of the 400m tracks as a pitch for soccer, American football
or rugby. Obstacle-free sports areas in the segments at the same level as the playing
field without kerbs over which sportsmen could stumble can be included in the safety
zones. The dimensions of the area necessary for these additional sporting uses are
given in Tables 1.2.3a and 1.2.3b for the 400m Standard Track (Figure 1.2.3a) and for
double bend tracks (Figures 1.2.3b and 1.2.3c). In the case of double bend tracks in
Figure 1.2.3d, the dimensions apply to American football only.

Type of 400m Oval Track

Standard Track Double Bend Track
R = Radius R = 36.50 R1 = 51.543 R1 = 48.00 R1 = 40.022
R2 = 34.000 R2 = 24.00 R2 = 27.082
G = Straights G = 84.39 G = 79.996 G = 98.52 G = 97.256
F = Figure F = 1.2.3a F = 1.2.3b F = 1.2.3c F = 1.2.3d
Rectangular Interior
Width 73.00 80.000 72.00 69.740
Length 84.39 79.996 98.52 97.256
Dimension of Segment
Width 73.00 80.000 72.00 69.740
Length 36.50 35.058 27.22 29.689

Table 1.2.3a - Dimension of interior of 400m Oval Track (in m)

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Chapter 1 - General Aspects of Planning IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008

Pitch Size Safety Zone

Under Competition Total Standard Size

Sport Standard Size Long Short
Rules
Sides Sides
Width Length Width Length Width Length

Football
(Soccer) 45-90 90-120 68 105 1 2 70 109

FIFA
Matches 64-75 100-110 68 105 5 5 78 115

American
Football 1 48.80 109.75 48.80 109.75 1 2 50.80 113.75

Rugby 2 68-70 97-100 70 100 3.50-5 10-22 77-80 120-144

1 In this case, athletics use may be hampered in the segment areas
2 A slight rounding of the corners of the "touch down" areas by bending the segment arcs will be necessary

Table 1.2.3b - Field dimension of interior of 400m Oval Track when used for other sports (in m)

1.2.4 ADDITIONAL USE FOR NON-SPORTING ACTIVITIES

Since Track and Field facilities for top class competitions are furnished with
spectator stands, non-sporting events, such as open-air concerts and public
assemblies can also be held in them. In certain circumstances, these may require
measures of protection for the track and for the infield (See Chapter 7).

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Chapter 2 - Competition Area IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008

CHAPTER 2
COMPETITION AREA

2.1 General Remarks

Track and Field athletics include competition areas for running, walking, jumping
and throwing events. These are normally integrated into an arena, the design of which
is dictated by the 400m oval track. The competition areas are first dealt with
individually and then regarding their integration into the arena.
The dimensions given are to be adhered to. Permissible deviations are given as
tolerances (+ or ± or –) after each figure. All linear measurements and levels shall be
made to the nearest whole mm.
This Manual stipulates dimensions and equipment for international and other high
class competition by elite athletes. For club and school competitions, the dimensions
of horizontal jumps landing areas, distance to take-off boards, the lengths of runways,
dimensions of landing areas etc. may be reduced. The safety of athletes must be
paramount in making such decisions. If you are in doubt as to what is appropriate
consult your national athletics federation.

2.1.1 TYPES OF COMPETITION FACILITIES

2.1.1.1 Competition Area for Track Events
The Competition area for Track Events includes:
- Oval track with at least 4 lanes (400m + 0.04m x 1.22m ± 0.01m) and safety
zones measuring not less than 1.00m on the inside and preferably 1.00m on the
outside
- Straight with at least 6 lanes (100m + 0.02m x 1.22m ± 0.01m for sprints and
110m + 0.02m x 1.22m ± 0.01m for hurdles)
Starting area: 3m min. (for 110m Hurdles, category V 2.5m min.).
Run-out: 17m min.
- Steeplechase track as for oval track with a permanent water jump (3.66m x
3.66m x 0.50m-0.70m) placed inside or outside the second bend

2.1.1.2 Competition Area for Jumping Events

The competition area for jumping events includes:
- Facility for Long Jump with runway (40m min. x 1.22m ± 0.01m), take-off board
(1.22m ± 0.01m x 0.20m ± 0.002m x 0.10m max.), placed between 1m and 3m
from the nearer end of the landing area, and the landing area 2.75m min. wide
with the far end at least 10m min. from the take-off line).
- Facility for Triple Jump as for Long Jump except for a take-off board placed
13m min. for men or 11m min. for women from the nearer end of the landing
area for international competitions. For any other competition, this distance
shall be appropriate for the level of competition.

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Chapter 2 - Competition Area IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008

2.1.3 GRADIENTS FOR TRACKS AND RUNWAYS

2.1.3.1 Competition Area for Track Events
For the competition area for Track Events the following maximum gradients shall
apply:
- 0.1% downward in the direction of running. Should the gradient of the sprint
track as part of a Standard Track vary, the inclination is measured in a straight
line between start and finish line for each event.
- 1.0% across the width of the track towards the inside lane. The transverse
1.0% gradient is primarily to ensure quick drainage of rainwater from the track
surface. In very dry desert climates it might be appropriate for the track to be
flat. To ensure that the gradient does not exceed the maximum allowable, it is
strongly advised that the design gradient be made less than 1.0% to ensure
that the maximum gradient is not exceeded.

2.1.3.2 Competition Area for Jumping Events

For the competition area for jumping events, the following maximum gradients
shall apply:
- In the last 40m of the runway, 0.1% downward in the running direction for
Long Jump, Triple Jump and Pole Vault. Should the gradient of the competition
area as part of a Standard Track vary, the inclination is measured in a straight
line between start of the runway and take-off line.
- In the last 15m of the runway, 0.4% downward in the running direction for High
Jump along any radius of the semicircular area centred midway between the
uprights.
- 1.0% across the width of the runway for Long Jump, Triple Jump and Pole
Vault.

2.1.3.3 Competition Area for Throwing Events

For the competition area for throwing events, the following maximum gradients
shall apply:
- In the last 20m of the runway, 0.1% downward in the running direction for
Javelin Throw. Should the gradient of the competition area as part of a Standard
Track vary, the inclination is measured in a straight line between start of the
runway and throwing arc.
- 1.0% across the width of the runway for Javelin Throw.
- 0.1% downward in the throwing direction for Shot Put, Discus Throw, Javelin
Throw and Hammer Throw landing sectors. Gradient at each arc shall be
determined to the lowest point on the arc.
- Circles for Shot Put, Discus Throw and Hammer Throw shall be approximately
level.

2.1.4 ARRANGEMENT OF THE FACILITIES

When deciding upon the arrangement of facilities, consideration must be given
to the necessary movement of athletes during competition. The routes between
ancillary rooms and competition areas should be as short as possible and not interfere
with events in progress. Since optimum arrangement is almost impossible for

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IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008 Chapter 2 - Competition Area

competition, the use of facilities must be well planned to ensure the most practical and
safe conduct of the competition.
In the same manner, entrances to and exits from the arena must be planned.
One exit must be located immediately after the finish line in order to bring the athletes
out of the arena to the Mixed Zone and post-competition activities. Entrances should
be placed in the other corners of the arena and preferably at the starts of sprint events
to facilitate the entry of the athletes to the arena and to accommodate the preparation
of the sites for competition.
Provision must also be made for transport of competition equipment and
implements, and athletes gear from start areas to post event control.
For the marathon and other events taking place mainly outside the stadium, a
suitable connecting passage linking the track with the road course must be provided.
The slope of the passage should not be too steep as this will affect the athletes
particularly walkers. The passage should be wide enough to take the mass of athletes
at the start of the marathon and road walk.

2.2 Facilities for Track Events

Track events include sprint, middle and long-distance, hurdle and steeplechase
events. The direction of running is anti-clockwise. The 400m oval track usually forms the
basis of a multi-sports arena. Its dimensions are, therefore, dependent on the requirements
of other sports. When integrating the straight and the steeplechase into the oval track,
deviations from Section 2.1.3 will arise in the longitudinal slopes in some areas.
Although there are a number of different layouts for the 400m oval track, it is
IAAF’s objective to create uniform criteria, not only with a view to improving the
performance parameters necessary for equal opportunities for all athletes and for the
suitability for competition but also to simplify the principles of construction, surveying
and certification of facilities.
Experience has shown that the most suitable 400m oval tracks are constructed
with bend radii of between 35m and 38m, with an optimum of 36.50m. IAAF
recommends that all future tracks are constructed to the latter specification and this
will be referred to as the “400m Standard Track”.
For further details see 2.2.1 to 2.2.3. For details of other layouts for the 400m
track, see 2.2.1.8.

2.2.1 THE 400M STANDARD TRACK

2.2.1.1 Layout of the 400m Standard Track (Figures 1.2.3a and 2.2.1.1a)
The 400m Standard Track has the advantages of a simple construction, straight and
curved sections of almost equal length and uniform bends which are most suitable to the
running rhythm of athletes. Furthermore, the area inside the track is large enough to
accommodate all throwing events and also a standard football pitch (68m x 105m).
The 400m Standard Track comprises 2 semicircles, each with a radius of 36.50m,
which are joined by two straights, each 84.39m in length (Figure 1.2.3a). This diagram
indicates the inside edge of the track which must have a kerb, that should be coloured
white, with a height of 0.05m to 0.065m and a width of 0.05m to 0.25m. The inner edge
of the track is 398.116m in length (36.50m x 2 x π + 84.39m x 2) where π = 3.1416. This

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length for the inner edge gives a length of 400.001m (36.8m x 2 x π + 84.39m x 2) for the
theoretical line of running (measurement line) at a distance of 0.30m from the kerb. The
inside lane (lane 1) will, therefore, have a length of 400.001m along its theoretical line of
running. The length of each of the other lanes is measured along a theoretical line of
running 0.20m from the outer edge of the adjacent inside lane (Figure 2.2.1.1b). All lanes
have a width of 1.22m ± 0.01m. The 400m Standard Track has 8, 6 or occasionally
4 lanes but the last is not used for international running competition.
On occasion in the World Cup in Athletics there are 9 teams requiring 9 oval
lanes. This is the maximum number of oval lanes that should be provided at a facility
as otherwise there is too much advantage gained by the athlete in the outside lane in
a 200m race over the athlete in the inside lane. Further the outside lane could infringe
the World Record rule that states the record should be made on a track, the radius of
the outside lane of which shall not exceed 50m.
It is permissible to have any number of sprint lanes on the straights.

Setting out the 400m standard Track. Figure 2.2.1.1a

SETTING OUT PLAN AND DIMENSIONS OF THE 400M STANDARD TRACK
(RADIUS 36.50M)
(Dimensions in m)
When determining the basic rectangle (A, B, C, D) with measuring tape and theodolite:
1. Distance between CP1 - CP2 resp. M1 - M2 using measuring tape:
84.390m (± 0.002m)

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Chapter 2 - Competition Area IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008

2. Place one theodolite on each of CP1/M1 and CP2/M2:

angle a = 25.9881 gon;
CP1/M1 - A or D and CP2/M2 - B or C = 91.945m
3. A, B, C, D are in line with the inner track border.

When using tapes, the following points must be observed:

1. Standard steel measuring tapes only, with temperature equalisation table.
2. Immediately before and after measuring (position measuring tape with 50 N
tensile load for 30m tapes and 100 N for 50m and 100m tapes) read temperature
of measuring tape using a contact thermometer.*
3. Correct reading based on the temperature of the measuring tape and the
temperature equalisation table.
4. In the absence of a temperature equalisation table: Calculate the change in length
of the measuring tape caused by temperature using a reference temperature of
20°C as follows:
Temperature of the measuring tape in degrees Celsius of the deviation from
20°C x length of the measuring distance in m x 0.0115mm.
5. If the temperature of the measuring tape is more than 20°C, subtract the change
in length of the measuring tape calculated from the reading or alternatively add
it on if the temperature is under 20°C.
6. Example:
Temperature of measuring tape 15°C and measuring distance 36.50m;
Change in measuring tape: 5 x 36.50 x 0.0115mm = 2.09mm;
Increase reading of 36.500mm to 36.502mm.
Measurement of 400m Standard Track
Length of the parallel straights 84.390m
Construction radius of the semicircle bend
(including raised inner track border or outer
edge of end markings of running track) 36.500m
Construction length of the semicircle bend
(inside edge of the track) 114.668m
Measuring distance from the raised inner track
border to the nominal measuring line
(line of running) of the semicircle bend 0.300m
Radius for the nominal measuring length of
the semicircle bend for raised track border 36.800m
Nominal measuring length (length of line
of running) of the semicircle bend 115.611m
Nominal measuring length (length of line
of running) of the oval track 400.001m
Construction length of the track border
(inside edge of the track) 398.116m
* If an invar measuring tape (36% nickel content) is used, the temperature control may be dispensed with.

2.2.1.2 Gradients of the 400m Standard Track

The kerb of the 400m Standard Track must be laid horizontally throughout. The
lateral inclination of the track shall not exceed 1.0% inwards and the overall inclination

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IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008 Chapter 2 - Competition Area

in the running direction shall not exceed 0.1% downwards. It is recommended that the
design lateral inclination be slightly less than 1% to ensure that, because of
construction inaccuracies, the 1% inclination is not exceeded. Local variations in
inclinations are permitted on parts of the track.
2.2.1.3 Drainage of the 400m Standard Track
For drainage of the 400m Standard Track, see 3.5.
2.2.1.4 Dimensional Accuracy of the 400m Standard Track
The dimensional accuracy required for all classes of competition is deemed
fulfilled if the following set values are attained in the “28 point control measurement”
(Figure 2.2.1.4a) on the outside edge of the inner track border:
- 84.390m ± 0.005m for each of the two straights (2 readings)
- 36.500m ± 0.005m for 12 points per semicircle (including kerb) on the arc of
the circle approximately 10.42m apart (24 readings)
- Alignment of the kerb in the area of the two straights: no deviations greater
than 0.01m (2 readings). Ideally, the length of the kerb in the straight and the
length of the outer lane measured along the outside edge of the lane should be
equal.
The 28 point control measurement should be carried out and the readings
recorded. The average of the deviations must not exceed + 0.040m nor be less than
0.000m (Table 2.2.1.4).

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Tube diameter approximately 12mm,

clear height above foundation 0.15m,
foundation diameter min 0.20m, min
1.0m depth and constructed to prevent
frost-heave, top edge 0.15m beneath
the finished surface. Second tube with
diameter of 0.04m to protect the
“measuring tube” (Figure 2.2.1.4b).

2.2.1.5 Safety of the 400m Standard Track

The 400m Standard Track must have an obstacle-free zone on the inside at least
1.00m wide and should have on the outside an obstacle-free zone at least 1.00m wide.
Any drainage system positioned under the kerb must be flush with the surface and
level with the track.
The outer obstacle-free zone must also be flush with the surface of the track.
2.2.1.6 Marking of the 400m Standard Track (Figure 2.2.1.6a)
All lanes shall be marked by white lines. The line on the right hand of each lane,
in the direction of running, is included in the measurement of the width of each lane.
All start lines (except for curved start lines) and the finish line shall be marked at
right angles to the lane lines.
Immediately before the finish line, the lanes may be marked with numbers with
a minimum height of 0.50m.
All markings are 0.05m wide.
All distances are measured in a clockwise direction from the edge of the finish
line nearer to the start to the edge of the start line farther from the finish.
The data for staggered starts for 400m Standard Track (constant lane width of
1.22m) is listed in Table 2.2.1.6a.

Distance Marking Bends

on Line of Plan Run in Lane 2 Lane 3 Lane 4 Lane 5 Lane 6 Lane 7 Lane 8
Running Area Lanes
200 C 1 3.519 7.352 11.185 15.017 18.850 22.683 26.516
400 A 2 7.038 14.704 22.370 30.034 37.700 45.366 53.032
800 A 1 3.526 7.384 11.260 15.151 19.061 22.989 26.933
4x400 A 3 10.564 22.088 33.630 45.185 56.761 68.355 79.965

Table 2.2.1.6a - Staggered start data for the 400m Standard Track (in m)

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Chapter 2 - Competition Area IAAF TRACK AND FIELD FACILITIES MANUAL 2008

All lanes and start lines shall be measured as indicated in 2.2.1.4. The deviation
from the running length of all start lines must not exceed +0.0001xL nor be less than
0.000m where L is the length of the race in metres.

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