{{Short description|Trademarked synthetic track surface}} {{About|the trademark-protected Mondo product|the product category|all-weather running track}} {{Promotional|date=March 2026}} <!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:London Olympics Mondotrack.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|right|Mondotrack used in the 2012 Summer Olympics]] --> [[File:Mondotrack.jpg|thumb|Mondotrack at Stadium Jean-Pellez]] '''Mondotrack''' is a brand of synthetic surface designed for track and field athletics, produced by the company Mondo. The surface is engineered to provide consistent performance characteristics, with the aim of optimizing athlete speed and reducing injury risk. Mondotrack consists of a vulcanized rubber top layer and a hexagonal base layer, and is produced in various colors. It is used in a range of international athletic facilities and competitions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/10/24/881960/0/en/University-of-South-Carolina-installs-Mondo-Super-X-720-track-fulfilling-coach-s-dream-of-having-Mondo.html|title = University of South Carolina installs Mondo Super X 720 track, fulfilling coach's dream of having Mondo|date = 24 October 2016}}</ref>
== History == In 1980, Mondo began research on synthetic materials for athletic track surfaces.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-18735617|title=London 2012: Inside track on Olympic running surface|first=Alejandra|last=Martins|work=BBC News|date=23 July 2012|publisher=}}</ref> The aim of this research was to develop a track surface that could improve performance, reduce injury risk, and provide consistent conditions for athletes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/06/11/world-class-track-built-downtown-for-street-meet/MpXRbun1G4yMTCiCLPYbYO/story.html|title=World-class track to be built downtown for street meet - The Boston Globe|publisher=bostonglobe.com}}</ref> The resulting product, Mondotrack, features a dual-layer structure with a vulcanized rubber top layer and a hexagonal sub-base. Since its commercial introduction, the surface has been installed in various professional and collegiate facilities, including the venue for the 2011 World Athletics Championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mondotrackusa.com/Super_X_Performance.cfm?id_applicazione=109&id_tipologia_prodotto=2&id_classe=1&outdoor=1#2|title=MONDO - Super X Performance|website=www.mondotrackusa.com}}</ref> Mondotrack was used for the competition surfaces at the 2012 Olympic Games and 2016 Olympic Games.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2015/08/25/763152/10147028/en/New-Mondotrack-WS-track-surface-to-serve-as-competition-surface-of-2016-Rio-Olympic-Games.html|title=Globenewswire|date=25 August 2015|publisher=}}</ref>
== Surface == <!-- Deleted image removed: thumb|right|Surface of a blue colored Mondotrack --> Mondotrack comes in several variations: Mondotrack WS (Championship series), Super X Performance, and Super X 720.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coachmag.co.uk/fitness-technology/5640/incredible-olympic-tech|title=Incredible Olympic Tech|publisher=}}{{dl|date=November 2023}}</ref> The surface is a seamless structure that is created through a vulcanized process. Two distinct layers make up the track: The top layer being a rubber-based soft surface and the bottom layer being a hard elongated hexagonal surface. The thickness is 13.5 mm and is available in eight different colors. Mondotrack comes in rolls no longer than 15 meters in length that are then assembled to make the complete track.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/fivering_circus/2004/08/track_marks.html|title=Track Marks|first=Nick|last=Schulz|date=29 August 2004|publisher=slate.com}}</ref>
== Spikes == Because of the design of the Mondotrack surface, certain spikes for running shoes are required. Compression (Christmas tree) spikes and 6mm (1/4in) pyramid spikes are promoted for use on Mondotracks. These spikes will not damage the track. Needle spikes however, will damage the track. The thin-sharp pointed needle spikes allow the spike to penetrate the surface which can rupture and degrade the track over time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://athleticmanagement.com/content/spike-recommendations-mondo|title=Spike Recommendations From Mondo - athleticmanagement.com|website=athleticmanagement.com}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist|1}}
Category:Sport of athletics terminology