Track resurfacing and SmarTracks installation

Built in 2009, the Cardiff International Sports Stadium is the most important athletics stadium in Wales, with a capacity of 2,553 seated spectators and 2,400 standing places. It serves as the headquarters of the Welsh Athletics organization, which belongs to the national sports governing body, "UK Athletics." The stadium has been shining in a new light since 2019: that year, Polytan comprehensively refurbished the circular track, sprint tracks, and sector areas. For the new synthetic surface, the stadium chose the "professional among sports surfaces" – Rekortan M by Polytan. This surface is present in many of the world's major athletics stadiums, where it has proven itself in international top-level sports thanks to its excellent acceleration and resilience. During the resurfacing at Cardiff International Sports Stadium, the decision was also made to change the surface color: athletes now train and compete on a Rekortan M in "Hertha Blue." This is an intense shade of blue that gained worldwide renown when it was first introduced in Berlin's Olympic Stadium in 2004. By contrast, the sprint tracks and sector areas in Cardiff retained their classic brick-red color, creating a striking visual distinction from the blue circular track and blue run-up areas in the sectors. As part of the resurfacing project, the stadium operators also opted for a technical innovation: the time and data recording system Polytan SmarTracks. This system is designed so that invisible timing gates embedded in the ground enable comprehensive performance diagnostics for athletes. Metrics such as runtime, speed, stride length, stride frequency, and jump height of users are recorded and analyzed. The system is installed not only on an inner lane but also on two sprint tracks.