Radclyffe Athletics Centre receives upgrade to facilities
Radclyffe Athletics Centre has recently had its running track resurfaced to meet the TrackMark requirements set out by UK Athletics.
Built in 1999, the facility is managed by Oldham Community Leisure Ltd (OCLL) and is home to Oldham and Royton Harriers & Athletics Club (AC) and OCL Running Club. In May 2019, Radclyffe Track underwent its TrackMark inspection and failed due to the hardness and extensive wear of the track surface. Improvements were vital to ensure long term sustainability of this facility.
England Athletics Facility Manager Ed Hunt, explains:
“Synthetic athletics tracks have a lifespan of around twenty-five years with a requirement for an interim respray after seven and fourteen years to maintain performance standards and protect the underlying base layer. The track at Radclyffe had not been resurfaced since installation in 1999 and it was certainly showing its age!
Fortunately, the TrackMark inspection flagged the deteriorating condition of the track surface and the venue operator OCLL stepped up and committed £220k to a full track resurface. We are extremely grateful to OCLL who recognised the importance of the refurbishment and committed £220k to the complete resurfacing of the track."
The investment has certainly been appreciated by the club and local community. Steve Williams, Team Manager and Coach at Oldham and Royton Harriers & AC, said:
“The new track is a lovely surface to run on with plenty of bounce and grip. It’s a significant improvement on what we had before. COVID19 closures hit Oldham and Royton Harriers & AC very hard and with the track resurfacing work coinciding with facilities reopening, the club remained closed for an extended period of time. However, we are now in a rebuilding stage and with our new resurfaced track remain positive that in 2022 we’ll attract more people from the local community and welcome new members.”