With a total surface area of 7,320.40 m², plus an additional 1,420.55 m² in the northern D-area, the track was conceived to optimize both performance and durability. A dedicated lane 9, covering 1,420 m², provides a specialized surface for long-distance athletes, reinforcing the track’s ability to cater to multiple sporting disciplines. The combination of CONIPUR SW (20 mm) in lane 9 and CONIPUR MX+ across the rest of the track ensures an optimal balance between functionality, longevity, and aesthetics. Surrounding the track, a 40 mm synthetic grass perimeter, sand-filled, contributes to the seamless integration of natural and synthetic elements, enhancing both usability and the visual appeal of the facility.

A Thoughtful Approach to Performance and Design

When specifying materials for a large-scale sports facility, it is essential to ensure that the chosen solutions align with both the functional and aesthetic goals of the project. The Madrid CSD track was designed to serve not only as a training and competition venue but also as an architectural reference for modern sports infrastructure. The materials selected had to meet strict performance requirements, withstand intensive use, and offer an attractive, contemporary look that fits within the broader urban landscape.

Beyond the technical aspects, the project had to align with sustainability principles, ensuring durability while minimizing maintenance needs. With public and private investment increasingly focused on long-term value, the challenge lies in identifying materials that offer cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Meeting Project Demands with Smart Material Selection

For architects and planners, selecting the right sports surface goes beyond choosing a functional material—it involves finding a balance between durability, sustainability, and design. With public procurement requirements and budget constraints shaping many decisions, it is critical to specify products that comply with regulations while still offering an elevated user experience. The CONIPUR systems used in Madrid provide an excellent case study of how high-performance materials can meet stringent technical demands while ensuring the facility remains visually compelling.

The ability to compare materials objectively can often be challenging, particularly when technical data is unclear or incomplete. Case studies like this one serve as valuable references, offering real-world insights into how products perform under demanding conditions. Ensuring that project specifications are fully supported by transparent, reliable data is essential for both architects and decision-makers in tender-based and privately funded projects.

A Global Benchmark in Sports Facility Design

Madrid’s CSD athletics track is more than just a local training ground—it is an internationally recognized venue where athletes from around the world come to prepare for major competitions. Over the years, teams from the United States, France, Hungary, Denmark, Russia, and Canada have chosen this facility for intensive training camps, reinforcing its reputation as a benchmark for high-performance sports venues.

This level of global recognition highlights the importance of specifying materials that stand the test of time. In an industry where sustainability, design aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness must work together, having access to innovative, proven solutions allows architects to deliver projects that go beyond functionality and contribute to the broader evolution of sports infrastructure.

A Project That Sets New Standards

The Madrid CSD track exemplifies how carefully considered material selection can create a space that is both high-performing and architecturally refined. By integrating durability, efficiency, and design, the project provides an outstanding example of how modern sports facilities can meet the highest international standards while maintaining a strong visual identity.

Acknowledgments

A project of this scale is only possible through expert collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. The Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) and their technical team entrusted OPSA as the installer for this prestigious track, selecting CONICA’s high-performance surfaces to create a facility that meets both functional and design objectives. Their investment in quality, sustainability, and aesthetics ensures that this track remains a reference for future projects in the world of sports architecture. OPSA, our exclusive partner for athletics track installations in Spain for many years, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Their extensive expertise, specialized installers, and dedicated machinery—combined with the superior quality of CONICA systems—are the foundation for the exceptional durability of the tracks they build, making them the longest-lasting on the market.