With Rekortan GEL GT, Polytan has set a new benchmark in the development of sustainable sports surfaces. The innovative system was recently named “Product of the Year” by the UK’s Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) – a strong signal for future-ready infrastructure in elite sports.
Polytan is proud to announce that Rekortan GEL GT, its most advanced and environmentally conscious athletics track system to date, has been awarded “Product of the Year” by the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA)—the leading trade body for sports infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
This honour is one of the highest endorsements available in the industry, recognising exceptional product innovation, technical quality, and environmental leadership. As the only athletics surface to receive this recognition in the most recent SAPCA Awards, Rekortan GEL GT sets a new benchmark for what modern sport surfaces can achieve.
SAPCA's “Product of the Year” award is not just a reflection of technical excellence—it’s a signal to facility owners, architects, and public sector stakeholders that a product meets the most rigorous standards for performance and sustainability. Chosen by a panel of independent experts from a competitive field of entries, this award affirms that Rekortan GEL GT delivers not only on the track, but also in addressing the environmental and social responsibilities facing today’s sports infrastructure sector.
As climate goals and ESG requirements become central to procurement decisions, Polytan’s recognition through this award positions Rekortan GEL GT as a future-ready solution for sustainable facility development across the UK and Europe.
Rekortan GEL GT is Polytan’s first track system manufactured using over 60% renewable raw materials, including plant-based polyols. The system is produced in Europe using renewable electricity, reducing embodied carbon from the outset.
What sets Rekortan GEL GT apart is its gel-based polyurethane composition, which provides consistent force reduction and excellent energy return, even under extreme temperatures. Installed using an in-situ application process, the material levels itself naturally, creating a smooth, even track surface optimised for both performance and safety.
Its robust two-layer construction enables installation times that are 20–25% faster than traditional systems, minimising emissions from on-site operations and allowing facilities to reopen more quickly. The durable PU top layer, with embedded EPDM granules, ensures high spike resistance and long-term colour stability—making it ideal for demanding training and competition use.
The first full installation of Rekortan GEL GT in the UK was completed at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, a Royal Navy training centre. This project serves as a national example of how elite-level sport surfaces can align with carbon-conscious construction practices.
“Rekortan GEL GT shows what’s possible when performance, sustainability, and innovation are engineered into one system,” said Ashley Appleby, Polytan Sports Surfaces UK. “Being recognised by SAPCA with this award confirms that our vision for environmentally responsible sport is not only relevant—but leading.”
Organised by the Sports and Play Construction Association, the SAPCA Awards are considered one of the most respected honours in the UK’s sport and play infrastructure sector. Now in their tenth year, the awards recognise meaningful progress in product design, innovation, and environmental leadership. Recognition from SAPCA places Rekortan GEL GT among a select group of products that are not just built to perform—but built to shape the future of sport.
Discover exciting updates about modern artificial turf systems, track surfaces, groundbreaking technologies, and general information about Polytan. Beyond the news, we also share in-depth insights on our blog about sports field construction, sustainability in sports surfaces, and other topics.
With Rekortan GEL GT, Polytan has set a new benchmark in the development of sustainable sports surfaces. The innovative system was recently named “Product of the Year” by the UK’s Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) – a strong signal for future-ready infrastructure in elite sports.
Zum ersten Mal seit über vier Jahrzehnten kehrt Frankreichs bedeutendster Leichtathletikwettbewerb, die Championnat de France Elite, nach Talence zurück. Vom 1. bis 3. August 2025 treten die besten Athletinnen und Athleten des Landes im Stade Pierre-Paul Bernard an – ausgestattet mit einer hochmodernen Polytan Rekortan PUR-Laufbahn, die im Zuge der Stadionmodernisierung auf internationale Standards gebracht wurde.
Diese Ausgabe der Championnats de France Elite ist die erste seit 42 Jahren, bei der die nationalen Freiluftmeisterschaften im Département Gironde stattfinden. Talence, seit Langem als Austragungsort des renommierten Décastar-Mehrkampfes bekannt, rückt damit ins nationale Rampenlicht und empfängt die gesamte französische Leichtathletikelite – ein Ereignis mit Meilenstein-Charakter.
Im Rahmen der umfassenden Renovierung im Jahr 2022 erhielt das Stadion eine achtspurige Rekortan PUR-Bahn von Polytan – ein Hochleistungssystem, das maximale Griffigkeit, Elastizität und Geschwindigkeit für Wettkämpfe auf Top-Niveau bietet. Die Modernisierung umfasste zudem erweiterte Sprung- und Wurfbereiche, wodurch die Anlage zu einem der modernsten Leichtathletikstandorte des Landes wurde.
Erwartet werden Top-Athlet:innen wie Gabriel Tual, Marie-Julie Bonnin, Alice Finot und Cyréna Samba-Mayela – viele von ihnen nutzen die Meisterschaften als Vorbereitung auf die Leichtathletik-Weltmeisterschaften in Tokio, die Ende 2025 stattfinden.
Mit zahlreichen französischen Olympia- und WM-Hoffnungen am Start ist das dreitägige Event mehr als nur eine nationale Meisterschaft – es könnte maßgeblich die Zusammensetzung des Teams für Tokio beeinflussen. Das Zusammenspiel aus sportlichem Erbe und modernisierter Infrastruktur macht das Stade Pierre-Paul Bernard bereit für seinen bislang größten Auftritt.
Polytan ist stolz, diesen Meilenstein in der französischen Leichtathletik mit einer Bahn zu unterstützen, die für Höchstleistungen in Geschwindigkeit, Kraft und Präzision entwickelt wurde. Auf unvergessliche Momente in Talence!
Polytan is proud to announce that Rekortan GEL GT, its most advanced and environmentally conscious athletics track system to date, has been awarded “Product of the Year” by the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA)—the leading trade body for sports infrastructure in the United Kingdom.
This honour is one of the highest endorsements available in the industry, recognising exceptional product innovation, technical quality, and environmental leadership. As the only athletics surface to receive this recognition in the most recent SAPCA Awards, Rekortan GEL GT sets a new benchmark for what modern sport surfaces can achieve.
SAPCA's “Product of the Year” award is not just a reflection of technical excellence—it’s a signal to facility owners, architects, and public sector stakeholders that a product meets the most rigorous standards for performance and sustainability. Chosen by a panel of independent experts from a competitive field of entries, this award affirms that Rekortan GEL GT delivers not only on the track, but also in addressing the environmental and social responsibilities facing today’s sports infrastructure sector.
As climate goals and ESG requirements become central to procurement decisions, Polytan’s recognition through this award positions Rekortan GEL GT as a future-ready solution for sustainable facility development across the UK and Europe.
Rekortan GEL GT is Polytan’s first track system manufactured using over 60% renewable raw materials, including plant-based polyols. The system is produced in Europe using renewable electricity, reducing embodied carbon from the outset.
What sets Rekortan GEL GT apart is its gel-based polyurethane composition, which provides consistent force reduction and excellent energy return, even under extreme temperatures. Installed using an in-situ application process, the material levels itself naturally, creating a smooth, even track surface optimised for both performance and safety.
Its robust two-layer construction enables installation times that are 20–25% faster than traditional systems, minimising emissions from on-site operations and allowing facilities to reopen more quickly. The durable PU top layer, with embedded EPDM granules, ensures high spike resistance and long-term colour stability—making it ideal for demanding training and competition use.
The first full installation of Rekortan GEL GT in the UK was completed at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, a Royal Navy training centre. This project serves as a national example of how elite-level sport surfaces can align with carbon-conscious construction practices.
“Rekortan GEL GT shows what’s possible when performance, sustainability, and innovation are engineered into one system,” said Ashley Appleby, Polytan Sports Surfaces UK. “Being recognised by SAPCA with this award confirms that our vision for environmentally responsible sport is not only relevant—but leading.”
Organised by the Sports and Play Construction Association, the SAPCA Awards are considered one of the most respected honours in the UK’s sport and play infrastructure sector. Now in their tenth year, the awards recognise meaningful progress in product design, innovation, and environmental leadership. Recognition from SAPCA places Rekortan GEL GT among a select group of products that are not just built to perform—but built to shape the future of sport.
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