Daily Mile Tracks
Enquire NowAt PE Sports Premium, we design and install all-weather tracks tailored to your outdoor space, helping schools embed sustainable physical activity through the Daily Mile initiative across the UK.
Schools are under pressure to increase physical activity, a dedicated Daily Mile track makes it easy to build movement into the school routine.
Since many school fields become unusable in winter, we install durable, weather-resistant surfaces that can be used all year round.
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Can I Use Sport Premium Funding for a Daily Mile Track?
Schools can use Sport Premium funding for a Daily Mile track, as long as it supports sustainable improvements in physical activity levels, aligns with the 5 key indicators, and enhances whole-school engagement in active lifestyles.
What is a Daily Mile Track?
A Daily Mile track is a purpose-built walking or running track installed on school grounds to support regular physical activity because it gives pupils a safe, dedicated space to complete short bursts of daily exercise.
The track is typically installed around a field or playground using a durable, weather-resistant surface like tarmac, rubber mulch, or synthetic turf.
It is designed to allow students to walk, jog, or run one mile during the school day without interfering with scheduled PE lessons.
Line markings or signage help define the route and encourage participation.
As the Daily Mile initiative promotes fitness, focus, and well-being, these tracks help schools meet physical activity targets in a practical and accessible way.
Where can a Daily Mile Track be Installed?
A Daily Mile track can be installed around the perimeter of school fields, playgrounds, or existing play areas because the design is flexible and tailored to available space.
Daily mile tracks be looped around sports fields or playgrounds to maximise use of underused ground.
Smaller schools may choose compact oval or zigzag layouts to fit tight spaces
Tracks can be installed on grass, tarmac, or soil with proper groundwork preparation.
Since every school site is different, the route is designed to blend with the existing outdoor environment.
What Surfacing Options are Available for Daily Mile Tracks?
There are several surface options for Daily Mile tracks because different schools require different levels of durability, drainage, and comfort.
Rubber mulch is soft, slip-resistant, and highly durable, making it ideal for year-round use and younger age groups.
Tarmac is hard-wearing and provides a smooth, low-maintenance surface for older pupils or higher usage levels.
Artificial grass tracks offer a natural look and comfortable feel underfoot while remaining suitable in all weather conditions.
As surfacing plays a key role in safety and usability, the material is chosen based on site conditions and pupil needs.
How Long is a Daily Mile Track?
A standard Daily Mile track is designed so that 5 to 9 laps equal one mile because the actual length of each lap depends on available space.
Most schools create a track with a lap length between 150 and 300 metres.
The track is designed to make it easy for pupils to keep track of their distance.
Markers or signs are included to help count laps or encourage progress.
Since schools vary in size, the track is adapted to fit within available outdoor areas.
Can a Daily Mile Track be Used in Wet Weather?
Daily Mile tracks are built for year-round use because the surfacing materials are designed to be non-slip, free-draining, and weather-resistant.
Rubber mulch and artificial grass both allow water to pass through, preventing puddles and mud build-up.
Tarmac tracks are laid with proper gradients and drainage systems to avoid standing water.
All surfaces can be used during light rain, reducing the number of days lost to poor weather.
Since the goal is to keep pupils active every day, surface performance in wet conditions is a key part of the design.
How much does a Daily Mile Track Cost?
The average cost of a Daily Mile track is £8,000 - £25,000.
The cost of installing a Daily Mile track depends on the length, surface material, access requirements, and ground conditions because each project is bespoke.
Smaller tracks using basic rubber mulch surfacing may cost around £8,000 to £12,000.
Longer or wider routes with artificial grass or tarmac surfacing may reach £20,000 or more.
Site levelling, drainage, and edging can also affect the final price.
Since PE Sport Premium funding is often used to support track installation, a tailored quote helps with budget planning and grant applications.
What are the Benefits of a Daily Mile Track for Schools?
The main benefit is that a Daily Mile track encourages daily physical activity in a structured, inclusive, and manageable format because it gives pupils an easy way to stay active without the need for formal sports.
Benefits of Daily Mile tracks include:
Promotes improved fitness, behaviour, and concentration
Supports mental wellbeing and school-wide health initiatives
Offers a safe and designated space for walking, jogging, or running
Reduces wear and tear on grass fields
Suitable for all ages and abilities
Increases outdoor activity without reducing curriculum time
Can be used for warm-ups, cool-downs, or class movement breaks
Can the Track be Used for More than the Daily Mile?
Daily Mile tracks can be used for a variety of activities because the surface is suitable for running, walking, outdoor fitness, and structured PE sessions.
Schools use them for warm-ups, agility drills, cool-downs, and general physical activity breaks.
Daily Mile tracks can also be part of after-school sports clubs or well-being walks.
Some schools integrate the track into cross-curricular lessons or mindfulness activities.
As the track becomes a permanent feature, it supports a wide range of daily movement.
Can the Track be Installed on Grass?
A Daily Mile track can be installed directly on grass areas because the installation process includes groundwork preparation and a stable sub-base.
The ground is excavated and compacted before laying the surface material.
Drainage is added to prevent water build-up or surface wear.
Edging may be used to separate the track from the rest of the field.
Since many schools have large grassed areas, using the perimeter for a track is a popular approach.
How Long does Daily Mile Track Installation Take?
The installation time for a Daily Mile track typically takes between 1 to 3 weeks.
The time to install a Daily Mile track depends on the size of the track, surface type, and site conditions because preparation and weather can affect progress.
Rubber mulch systems are quicker to install on well-prepared ground.
Tarmac or artificial grass may take longer due to extra groundworks.
The site team ensures safety and minimal disruption to school activities.
Since the project is managed by experienced contractors, most tracks are completed within a single term.
Does the Track Need a Lot of Maintenance?
Daily Mile tracks are low maintenance because they are built using hard-wearing, weather-resistant materials.
Rubber mulch only requires occasional levelling and topping up after several years.
Tarmac may need sweeping and occasional surface treatment.
Artificial grass should be brushed and cleared of debris periodically.
As the track is used daily, quick visual checks and light maintenance help keep it in top condition.
Is the Track Suitable for Pupils of All Ages?
The track is suitable for pupils of all ages and abilities because it provides a non-competitive, inclusive environment for movement.
Early years and KS1 pupils can walk or jog with supervision.
Older pupils can use it for structured running sessions or challenges.
The surface is slip-resistant and level, reducing the risk of trips or falls.
Since the Daily Mile is about effort, not speed, the track works for everyone regardless of fitness level.
Can the Track Include Markings or Signs?
Tracks often include lap markers, distance signs, and motivational quotes because visual cues help engage pupils and track their progress.
Markers can be painted, printed, or installed as signs along the route.
Some schools use footprints, arrows, or mascots to guide and encourage participation.
Colour coding can be used to differentiate zones or levels of intensity.
Since engagement is key to long-term participation, visual elements are a helpful addition.
Can a Track be Funded Using PE and Sport Premium?
Many schools use their PE and Sport Premium funding to pay for Daily Mile tracks because the installation supports activity, health, and curriculum objectives.
It meets government targets for increased daily physical activity.
It provides long-term infrastructure to support active learning.
Track costs can be justified as an enhancement to the physical environment.
Since funding must demonstrate sustainable impact, a Daily Mile track is an approved and effective investment.
Can Daily Mile Tracks be Installed in Small Schools?
Daily Mile tracks can be designed for small school grounds because the layout is flexible and can be adjusted to fit limited space.
Shorter laps or zig-zag paths can be used where space is tight.
Tracks can loop around existing buildings, play areas, or garden spaces.
Even a 50–60 metre loop can still allow pupils to complete a mile with multiple laps.
As not all schools have large fields, compact designs ensure that every pupil can take part.
Can the Track be Used by Staff and the Wider Community?
Many schools encourage staff and local community groups to use the track because it promotes whole-school wellbeing and strengthens school-community links.
Staff often use the track during breaks for walking or jogging.
Before- and after-school clubs may use the track for warm-ups or fitness sessions.
Community partnerships may allow public use outside school hours.
Since the track is a long-term outdoor asset, its benefits often extend beyond the pupils alone.
What Happens if the Track Crosses Existing Playgrounds or Fields?
Tracks can be installed across existing surfaces because installation teams prepare the route to ensure it remains safe, level, and integrated with your current grounds.
Rubber or artificial grass can be laid on top of existing hardstanding.
Tarmac can be used to connect between grass and playground areas.
Line markings help distinguish the track from other play zones.
As schools aim to optimise their existing space, track designs often work across mixed surfaces.
Is Planning Permission Required for a Daily Mile Track?
Planning permission is not usually required because the track is considered a temporary or minor development within school grounds.
Tracks do not usually involve new buildings or change of land use.
If the site is listed or within a conservation area, permissions may be required for certain materials.
Most installations proceed under permitted development.
Because each site is unique, it’s always worth confirming with your local planning authority if you’re unsure.
Can the Track be Coloured or Patterned?
Daily Mile tracks can be laid in a variety of colours and patterns because surface materials like rubber mulch and artificial grass come in multiple shades.
Common colours include green, red, blue, or natural brown.
Some schools choose patterned surfaces like running lanes or playful designs.
Bright colours can make the track more engaging and easy to follow.
Because pupil engagement is key to regular participation, colour adds a creative dimension to the space.
Can a Track be Installed Over the Summer Holidays?
Summer is one of the most popular times for installation because it avoids disruption to the school day and allows for easy site access.
The full track can often be completed within a few weeks.
Groundworks, surfacing, and markings are all completed while pupils are off-site.
Some schools combine summer works with other outdoor improvements.
Since downtime is limited during term time, school holidays are ideal for new installations.