IMG Academy Debuts 'Super Track' to Redefine Athlete Performance

BRADENTON, Fla. – May 12, 2026 – The future of athletic training may have just been laid down in Bradenton, Florida. IMG Academy, the globally recognized institution for developing elite student-athletes, has unveiled a groundbreaking new track, officially partnering with Rekortan® to install the company's revolutionary Gel G13 System. This move signals more than just a facility upgrade; it represents a significant investment in a new generation of surface technology designed to push the boundaries of human speed and endurance.

The new installation makes Rekortan®, an integrated part of the AstroTurf® Corporation, the official track surface partner for the world-renowned academy. The partnership brings what many are calling a 'super track' to the campus, promising to enhance the training environment for the next wave of track and field champions.

The Science of a 'Super Track'

At the heart of the new installation is the Rekortan® Gel G13 System, a surface that moves beyond traditional polyurethane and rubber. The company claims it introduces a new category of running track technology, drawing direct comparisons to the revolutionary 'super shoes' that have upended the world of distance running.

“Rekortan Gel is the world’s only gel-based track, it features nano technology that works on similar principles to “super shoes,” storing and returning energy with every step,” said Tim Jordan, Vice President of Rekortan® USA. The track's 9mm gel layer contains what the company describes as trillions of microscopic liquid bubbles. These nano-sized bubbles function like an integrated network of tiny springs, compressing under the force of an athlete's stride and then rapidly returning to shape, providing a tangible 'pop' at toe-off.

Unlike the stiff carbon-fiber plates that act as propulsive levers in super shoes, the Rekortan Gel track focuses on optimizing the surface's material science. The technology is engineered to release stored energy over a slightly longer period than traditional tracks. This optimal timing is designed to reduce impact stress on an athlete's joints and muscles while simultaneously enhancing forward propulsion. The result, according to the manufacturer, is a surface that helps athletes feel fresher during demanding workouts, recover more effectively between sessions, and ultimately perform faster on race day.

“Coach feedback is that athletes are fresher, fitter and faster on Rekortan Gel, so we are delighted to be helping the IMG Academy athletes reach their full potential,” Jordan added. This claim is backed by internal and independent testing, including research conducted at the University of Tennessee, which supports the performance benefits.

A Strategic Edge in Elite Development

For IMG Academy, the decision to install the Rekortan Gel track is a calculated strategic move to maintain its position at the apex of global sports education. In the hyper-competitive world of elite athletics, state-of-the-art facilities are no longer a luxury but a critical component for attracting and developing top-tier talent.

By providing its student-athletes with access to this cutting-edge technology, IMG Academy not only enhances their daily training environment but also reinforces its commitment to athlete health and longevity. The surface's emphasis on reduced impact and better recovery aligns perfectly with the academy's holistic approach to development, which prepares athletes for sustained success at the collegiate and professional levels.

Mark Napier, Director of Track and Field at IMG Academy, highlighted the significance of the upgrade. “Our track and field program is at the forefront of developing student-athletes for the next level, in sport, in school, and for life,” he stated. “The new, high-performance Rekortan® Gel track not only elevates our world-class training environment, but also positions our Bradenton campus as a premier destination for athletes of all levels to train, compete, and perform.”

This investment solidifies IMG's reputation as an innovator and provides a powerful recruiting tool, signaling to prospective student-athletes and their families that the academy is dedicated to providing every possible advantage.

Reshaping the Surface Market

The partnership is also a major victory for Rekortan® and its parent company, AstroTurf® Corporation, in the fierce market for high-performance athletic surfaces. The track industry is dominated by a handful of key players, including Mondo and Beynon Sports, who have long supplied surfaces for Olympic Games and major university programs. Mondo is famous for its pre-fabricated vulcanized rubber tracks, while Beynon is a leader in full-pour polyurethane systems.

With the Gel G13 system, Rekortan® is carving out a unique niche, betting that a focus on material science analogous to 'super shoe' foam will be the next major evolution in track technology. Securing a high-profile partnership with an institution like IMG Academy serves as a powerful real-world showcase and validation of this innovative approach. It effectively turns the Bradenton campus into a living laboratory and a global advertisement for the benefits of their gel technology.

This move is part of a broader strategy for AstroTurf® Corporation, which manages a portfolio of iconic surfacing brands including Laykold® tennis courts (the Official Surface of the US Open) and Poligras field hockey turf. By placing its most advanced products at the world’s most prestigious venues and academies, the company solidifies its market leadership and builds an unparalleled legacy of performance across the entire spectrum of sport.