A British technology company has developed a new smart running track that could enhance athlete performance through AI-driven analytics and energy-returning surfaces.
Feldspar Limited, based in the UK, has completed early-stage testing of its prototype, which it claims provides a 20% improvement in energy return compared to conventional tracks, including those used in major events such as the Paris Olympics. The development, led by AI and real-time data analytics, is expected to benefit both athletes and coaches by offering live performance insights.
The technology behind the track is designed to convert vertical force into horizontal momentum, enabling runners to achieve greater propulsion with less energy. Feldspar suggests this will allow sprinters to run faster while reducing fatigue and injury risk. The innovation could prove significant in elite athletics, where marginal gains of just 2-4% can determine podium finishes.
Darren Campbell, MBE, and Global Track Strategy Director at Feldspar, said the technology is a “game-changer” for both training and competition.
“This milestone proves that Feldspar’s technology can revolutionise how athletes train and compete,” he said. “With real-time performance insights captured directly from the track surface, we are not just enhancing speed and efficiency – we are also transforming how sports are consumed and experienced.”
Feldspar’s modular design also allows for quicker and more cost-effective installation, making it suitable for various sporting events. The track integrates seamlessly with a cloud-based system that collects and analyses data, providing instant feedback on key performance indicators such as stride length, foot placement, and force exertion.
Early trials with promising young British athletes have demonstrated increased speed, improved propulsion, and lower fatigue levels. These benefits translate into longer training sessions and more efficient movement, potentially extending athletes’ competitive careers.
Feldspar’s founder and CEO, Alvina Chen, said the company has worked through more than 40 design iterations over two years to develop a functional prototype.
“Testing the smart track and receiving such positive feedback from some of the UK’s most talented young athletes has been incredible,” she said. “At Feldspar, our mission is to power athlete performance from the ground up. This innovation is a true game-changer in sports flooring technology, which we believe will spark a revolution in athletics, sports entertainment, and beyond.”
With the prototype’s success, Feldspar is accelerating efforts to bring the product to market. The company is in talks with sports federations, governing bodies, and clubs to explore commercial applications.
The development comes amid growing interest in technology’s role in sports performance. AI-driven analytics are increasingly used in professional training environments, but Feldspar’s innovation aims to make real-time insights more accessible to athletes at all levels.
If widely adopted, the smart track could reshape training methods and improve performance standards across athletics. While its impact on competitive racing remains to be seen, its potential to transform the way athletes train and recover is already being recognised.
