Running Tracks & Athletics Line Marking

Quick answer: Line Marking Australia marks running tracks and athletics areas for schools, clubs and councils, on grass ovals and synthetic surfaces. We mark lane lines, staggered starts for 200 m and 400 m races, relay exchange zones, finish lines and field event areas, with staggers calculated for each lane so every runner covers the same distance.

A secondary school in Werribee called us before their athletics carnival. Their grass track had no permanent marking, and teachers spent hours each year setting up temporary lanes that shifted during events. Results were disputed because lanes weren't consistent. They wanted permanent marking.

We marked a six-lane running track with permanent lines. Staggered start positions for 200m and 400m races calculated precisely for lane compensation. Exchange zones for relay events. A clear finish line visible from the timing position. The carnival ran smoothly and the school uses the track year-round now.

A mistake we learned from

We made a stagger calculation error at a school in Melton in 2017. We used the wrong formula for lane staggers on their 200m start. Outer lanes had an unfair advantage. The PE coordinator spotted it during the first practice. We recalculated and remarked the starts correctly at our cost, around $950. Mathematics matters in athletics marking.

Track measurements we work to

We follow the World Athletics track layout, with lanes 1.22 m wide, and set out staggers from the measured line of running in each lane. Schools often book track marking with sports field line marking, AFL field marking or school playground line marking before carnival season.

Standards and council rules we follow for running tracks

• World Athletics rules, used by Athletics Australia: a 400 m standard track with lanes 1.22 m wide and 50 mm white lane lines.
• Starts, staggers, finish line and relay zones marked to World Athletics measurements.
• Grass tracks for school carnivals string-lined to the school's plan.
• Paint that suits the synthetic track surface, checked with the track maker.

Council and site rules on every court and field job

• Approval first. On council reserves, school grounds and club facilities we work only with the owner's written approval, plus a works permit where the council asks for one, and we follow the council's open space and reserve conditions.
• Safety paperwork. A Safe Work Method Statement and site induction under the Model WHS Regulations, with the work area coned or fenced off until the paint has cured.
• Insurance. Certificates of currency for public liability and workers compensation, at the level the council, school or club specifies.
• Working with children. On school and childcare sites our crews hold the state check, such as a Working with Children Check or Queensland blue card.
• Stormwater. No paint, wash water or grit goes into drains, in line with state EPA rules. We contain wash water and take waste away.
• Right paint for the surface. Court paint the surface maker approves, so your surface warranty stays intact, and grass-safe line paint on turf.
• Hours and bookings. Work is timed around council noise local laws and the club, school or council booking calendar.