For schools and education authorities across the UK, promoting pupil health and wellbeing is an ever-increasing priority. One initiative that continues to gain momentum is The Daily Mile – a simple, inclusive, and impactful programme that encourages children to walk, jog, or run for 15 minutes each school day. While the concept is straightforward, ensuring pupils can participate in all weather conditions requires the right infrastructure. That’s where the installation of a dedicated Daily Mile track comes in.
A Daily Mile track is a dedicated, weather-resistant running or walking path for schools to support pupil fitness. Designed for year-round use, it’s surfaced with materials like wetpour or artificial grass. Installation costs vary by size and surface, but typically range from £6,000 to £12,000.
In this blog, we explore exactly what a Daily Mile track is, the surfacing options available, how much it typically costs, and what the installation process involves. If you’re a headteacher, local council, architect or contractor looking to introduce or upgrade a Daily Mile route, this guide will provide the expert insight you need.
What Is a Daily Mile Track?
A Daily Mile track is a purpose-built running or walking pathway within a school’s outdoor space. It is designed to provide a safe, durable, and weather-resistant surface for pupils to complete their Daily Mile without relying on muddy fields or uneven playgrounds.
The initiative originated in Scotland and has since been adopted by thousands of schools across the UK. The track can be installed in a variety of layouts to suit the available space – including loops, perimeter routes or figure-of-eight designs. Tracks are typically around 100 metres in length, encouraging children to complete multiple laps to reach the 1-mile mark.
Why Schools Are Investing in Daily Mile Tracks
Although The Daily Mile can be implemented on existing school grounds, many institutions quickly find that grass surfaces become unusable during wet or cold months. Investing in a dedicated track helps schools:
- Maximise year-round use
- Reduce maintenance of damaged or worn grassy areas
- Boost physical activity levels and engagement
- Meet OFSTED criteria relating to physical development and wellbeing
- Create a dedicated wellbeing space that can also support PE and outdoor learning
For education authorities and decision-makers, the long-term benefits of a safe and accessible track often outweigh the upfront cost.
What Are the Surfacing Options for a Daily Mile Track?
Selecting the right surfacing is critical to ensuring longevity, safety, and usability in all seasons. At Abacus Playgrounds, we offer several premium surfacing solutions tailored to the Daily Mile initiative. Each option is designed for high-footfall environments and offers different aesthetic and performance benefits.
1. Wetpour Safety Surfacing
A popular choice for younger age groups, wetpour is a rubber safety surface made from a blend of EPDM rubber granules and polyurethane binder. It offers excellent shock absorption, slip resistance, and durability.
Benefits:
- Seamless finish, available in multiple colours
- Highly weather-resistant
- Soft underfoot and compliant with critical fall height regulations
- Low maintenance
Best suited for: Primary schools, nurseries, multi-use areas
2. MulchBond Rubber Mulch
MulchBond Rubber Mulch is a natural-looking surface is made from recycled rubber bound with a durable resin. It blends into outdoor surroundings and is perfect for woodland or landscaped areas.
Benefits:
- Organic, bark-like appearance
- Eco-friendly and porous
- Durable in wet or shaded locations
- Less prone to vandalism
Best suited for: Schools with forest schools or nature trails
3. Artificial Grass
Artificial grass offers a consistent and comfortable surface that mimics real turf without the mess or seasonal downtime.
Benefits:
- Visually appealing and soft
- Drains well and remains usable in wet weather
- Low-maintenance alternative to natural grass
Best suited for: Open field perimeters, shared spaces with recreational use
4. SUDS Bond (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems)
SUDS Bond is a fully permeable, eco-conscious option ideal for sites needing excellent drainage or in flood-prone zones.
Benefits:
- SuDS-compliant and allows natural water filtration
- Hardwearing and stable
- Suitable for schools focused on sustainability
Best suited for: New builds, eco-schools, or areas with drainage challenges
Daily Mile Track Cost Guide
The cost of installing a Daily Mile track depends on several factors, including surface type, size, ground conditions, access, and additional features like edging or line markings.
Typical Cost Range
- Wetpour: £50–£90 per m²
- MulchBond: £40–£75 per m²
- Artificial Grass: £45–£85 per m²
- SUDS Bond: £60–£100 per m²
These prices are indicative and subject to site survey. A standard 100m track might cost between £6,000 and £12,000, depending on specifications. Additional elements such as groundwork, base preparation, and drainage will affect final costs.
Cost-saving tip: Schools may be eligible for funding grants from sport or education-focused programmes – something Abacus can advise on during consultation.
Installation Process: What to Expect
At Abacus Playgrounds, our team offers full-service project support, from initial consultation to final installation. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what the process typically looks like:
1. Site Visit and Survey
We begin with a free site survey to assess the area, take measurements, and discuss your needs. We identify any access or drainage challenges and provide tailored recommendations.
2. Specification and Design
Based on your goals and budget, we propose suitable surfacing options and layout plans. We can also work alongside architects and contractors to integrate the track into wider landscaping or redevelopment projects.
3. Groundworks and Preparation
Before laying any surface, we prepare the ground with appropriate sub-base layers. This ensures a stable, long-lasting installation that drains efficiently and remains level.
4. Surfacing Installation
Our trained installers lay the chosen surface using industry-best techniques. This includes edging, finishing, and curing (for resin-based materials). Tracks can be straight or curved, and feature vibrant colours or natural tones.
5. Final Touches and Handover
Once installed, we add any required line markings or logos. We provide guidance on care and cleaning, and can offer regular maintenance support if needed.
Most Daily Mile tracks can be completed in 5–10 working days, depending on size and conditions.
Why Choose Abacus Playgrounds?
With over 30 years of experience in surfacing for schools and public spaces, Abacus Playgrounds is a trusted partner to hundreds of institutions across the UK. Here’s why schools, councils, and contractors choose us:
- Expertise across surfacing types – we match the right product to your environment and usage
- Reliable, professional installation – by fully trained and insured teams
- Tailored advice and transparent pricing – no hidden costs, just honest service
- Support for architects and contractors – including spec documentation and flexible scheduling
- Ongoing maintenance services – to protect your investment for years to come
Whether you’re resurfacing an existing route or installing a new track from scratch, our team will ensure your Daily Mile track meets all safety, durability, and aesthetic requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Daily Mile is more than just a health initiative – it’s a foundation for lifelong wellbeing. By investing in a dedicated, all-weather track, your school or organisation can give pupils the space and confidence to enjoy physical activity every day.
If you’re considering a Daily Mile track and need expert advice, tailored surfacing options, and reliable installation, speak to the team at Abacus Playgrounds today.