A NEW athletics track has been laid and opened at Palmer Park Leisure Centre & Stadium following a £500,000 investment by the Council and leisure partner GLL.
Reading and Team GB’s future Olympians are now able to hone their talents on a new state-of-the-art Polytan Rekortan PUR system – a cutting-edge track surface designed for speed, durability, and elite performance.
The major upgrade involved the complete replacement of the synthetic track from the stone foundation upwards, ensuring the facility meets England Athletics’ stringent standards for elite competition.
The new surface offers improved drainage, a smoother and flatter finish, and consistent rebound and impact absorbance – critical for high-level performance and injury prevention and joint strain.
Palmer Park’s new track features Polytan SMART technology, an advanced system integrating precision timing gates directly into the track surface.
This allows athletes to monitor performance in real time, enabling data-driven training and diagnostics.
With a life expectancy of 30 years, the new durable track ensures long-term benefits for both elite athletes and the wider Reading community.
This means it aligns with the council and GLL’s commitment to sustainability, using environmentally friendly materials that support a climate-positive approach to sports infrastructure.
Palmer Park’s athletics track is home to Reading Athletics Club and Reading Roadrunners, among others.
Between them, they have 35 athletes supported by the GLL Sport Foundation for 2025–26, reflecting a proud history of nurturing Olympic, Commonwealth, and Team GB talent.
The first major event to take place on the new track will be the Festival of Inclusivity on Saturday 13 September, a celebration of sport and community.
Organised in partnership with Sport Together Berkshire CIC and GLL, the event will feature a wide range of inclusive activities, including athletics delivered by Reading Athletics Club.
Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This latest investment in the Palmer Park track reflects our shared commitment with GLL to enhance and safeguard Reading’s leisure facilities for future generations.
“[It] is a fantastic addition to our town’s leisure offering and part of a broader vision to make Reading a top destination for sport and wellbeing.
“This investment reflects our commitment to ensuring every resident can enjoy high-quality, accessible leisure facilities.
She explained: “We’re proud to support facilities that serve everyone, from elite athletes to families and community groups.
“The new track will support both grassroots and competitive sport, and I’m thrilled that its first major event will be one that celebrates inclusivity and community spirit.”
More information, including how to take part in the Festival of Inclusivity on Saturday, September 13, is available via: sporttogetherberks.co.uk
