TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. – The 60th Force Support Squadron, 60th Civil Engineer Squadron and civilian contractors finished renovations on two running tracks, now called the North Gate Track and the Fitness Center Track, Aug. 20 at Travis Air Force Base.
“When the tracks were originally built, they were built as temporary tracks and they were not intended to be permanent,” said Tanya McCormick, 60th FSS fitness and sport center manager. “The tracks were in terrible condition and needed to be replaced.”
The running tracks on base were getting torn up and Airmen running on them noticed.
“The tracks had definitely seen better days,” said Capt. Jessica Bertke, 60th Inpatient Squadron critical care clinical nurse and regular track user. “With all the potholes and sunken areas you could have easily twisted your ankles. It was pretty dangerous to run on to be honest.”
After approximately five months of renovations the tracks are now sturdier.
“The new tracks have been built with a base of perforated soil mixed with cement, the two-foot thick base goes into the ground,” said DJ Quinn, CMA Construction contractor. “Then over that, we laid a layer of asphalt over the base.”
With a base as sturdy as this, the new tracks are built to last longer than the old tracks. They are also made with material to ease tension upon impact for a more comfortable run.
“These tracks have been built with a total of eight layers of recycled rubber, sealer and glued adhesive,” Quinn said. “That’s why the tracks feel so soft upon landing. With the old tracks only having two layers, that’s six more layers. There is much more padding.”
“With a softer surface to run on, Airmen will be able to go longer distances without the risk of getting shin splints,” McCormick said.
The tracks have been built with longevity in mind and will be easier to repair in the future.
“We know for a fact that these tracks will last at least five years but after that, a lot of it depends on how much the track is used,” said Quinn. “It’s pretty normal for tracks to get repairs done every five years, but since we have the base done, it won’t take nearly as long as this project.”
Airmen running on the tracks within the first few days noticed the improvements.
“This track is soft and smooth compared to the old track, which is nice because I get lower back soreness,” said Staff Sgt. Tyrone Taylor, 373rd Training Squadron C-17 Globemaster III crew chief instructor. “So, with the track absorbing so much of the impact, it makes the run feel much better.”
With new tracks offering a comfortable place to run, even those who dislike running seem to feel more enticed to give it a try.
“I’m not a runner, I stay in shape, but I do not like running,” said Taylor. “But a nice track like this definitely motivates me to run more and I’m sure when other Airmen run on this track their first time, they will feel motivated too.”