Gel-ifornia
The California Gel Track Trend. Why the state is adopting the latest track technology.
California has produced some of the biggest names in US track and field, including Allyson Felix, Marion Jones, Flo Jo and Rafer Johnson. A deep-rooted history in the sport coupled with a mild and sunny climate makes the State a US track and field heartland and a hotbed of global talent.
The California track community and schools know their sport, and they are choosing Rekortan Gel technology for their next generation of facilities and athletes.
10 California Schools Choose Rekortan Gel G10
Over the past two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of Californian High Schools adopting the Rekortan Gel track system. 10 high schools have upgraded to the G10 system and a number of others are in the pipeline for 2024 with a clear trend in favour of the latest track technology.
But what is driving the movement? Performance, planet, and price is driving the trend.
“Despite being 3mm thinner than the criteria set by World Athletics, the G10 track still meets World Athletics’ force reduction requirements which demonstrates the quality of the product and means that performance doesn’t need to come at a greater price.”
Athlete Performance: Run with more PING!
Rekortan is World Athletics’ most certified track system and the Gel track systems carry the most advanced performance technology. The Gel is firm and fast, and when force is applied the Gel dissipates the energy. This gives the force reduction needed for training, and the speed required for competition without being so firm that it increases the risk of injury. For young athletes, this is especially important. The Rekortan Gel systems give life back to their legs with 58% energy return.
Our G10 system adopted by all the California high schools to date has an ultra-thin 10mm layer which enables faster energy return from the sub-base than thicker systems. Despite being 3mm thinner than the criteria set by World Athletics, it still meets World Athletics’ force reduction requirements which demonstrates the quality of the product and means that performance doesn’t need to come at a greater price.
Better temperature consistency
The gel layer is more temperature stable than standard polyurethanes. This allows it to offer consistent force reduction across a wide range of temperatures which provides a performance advantage and supports better athlete welfare. This is very important in California where temperatures are extreme.
Environmental Performance: The world’s greenest tracks
The green technology Gel layer, made from 84% renewable and recycled materials, powers tracks that are fast, consistent and natural.
The Gel is made with a proprietary mix of plant-based oils, including castor oil, linseed oil and soya bean oil. We convert these plant-based oils with a proprietary enzyme process that is efficient and natural and doesn’t require additional energy. This greatly reduces electricity consumption and the final waste is converted into environmentally-friendly ceramic pellets.
The tracks retain over 95% of their force reduction over 10 years with the option to re-top the track for an extended life. Track longevity provides decades of high performance at a lower environmental cost.
As Tim Jordan, Rekortan’s General Manager for the U.S. explains:
“The Rekortan Gel track’s sustainability credentials were a big motivator for the schools in California. They required a next generation track for the next generation of athletes. The G10’s green technology gives us better athlete performance, welfare and, crucially for these schools, a better product for tomorrow.”
Competitive Price
As well as lowering the cost to the environment, the G10 track is competitive on price. The thinner 10mm layer means less materials which equals less cost without sacrificing performance. And the longevity of the tracks maximises the investment for schools and facility owners.
California is one of the world’s most competitive track markets - they know what is best – and they are choosing the cost-effective athlete and environmental performance of the Rekortan Gel G10.
If you are interested in finding out how we could transform the track facilities at your school or college, get in touch with one of our track experts today.