Rekortan and Polytan SMART at the Colchester Garrison Athletics Stadium, UK

Optimally Supporting Young Talents

The English city of Colchester in Essex boasts a long and vibrant history, being the oldest recorded settlement in Britain and the first Roman administrative center for what was then newly conquered Britannia. Today, Colchester has around 100,000 residents and is located within the commuting zone of the bustling metropolis of London, approximately 100 km away. The city has found a like-minded partner in the nearby village of Tendring for joint local activities. As a result, there is now a Tendring-Colchester Borders Garden Community as well as the Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club. The club defines itself as a family-friendly, inclusive organization dedicated to providing the best possible opportunities for sports enthusiasts of all skill levels in the area. Younger athletes, for instance, are nurtured through training programs that encompass elements of all track and field disciplines, with playful activities designed to engage budding young athletes. As they grow older, the training becomes more focused on specific development programs. With success: members of the Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club compete in events such as the Eastern Young Athletes League, the East Anglian T&F League, the Southern Athletics League, and the Eastern Masters Athletics Club. The club’s home is the Colchester Garrison Athletics Stadium, located amidst the expansive Abbey Field Parks. Commonly referred to as the “Garrison Track,” the facility features a grass field surrounded by an athletics track, which is used for various sports such as football, cricket, and rugby. In 2020, the athletics track was renewed with our Rekortan BS synthetic surface in brick red—Polytan’s all-rounder for athletic training and competition facilities. This structurally coated surface is primarily used for running tracks and run-up areas. The eight running lanes in Colchester pass by the clubhouse, which features a typically English cottage style. Rekortan BS has a thick, water-permeable wear layer and is easy, quick, and cost-effective to install. To ensure athletes at the Garrison Track have optimal training conditions, our Polytan SMART system has also been integrated into the track. This cutting-edge solution offers detailed documentation of training content and performance, catering to both professional track athletes and ambitious runners. Polytan SMART enables precise timing and performance diagnostics for classic track disciplines. The insights gained help tailor training regimens to improve overall performance. Not least, it is our SMART system that brings the motto of the Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club to life: “Striving for success and enjoyment through athletics.” Additionally, the club regularly organizes social events for its members, providing opportunities to connect off the track and celebrate the achievements of athletes in and around Colchester. Our versatile Rekortan BS offers the perfect foundation for these moments as well.