RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University is installing a Mondo Super X rubber track at its Tom Samuels Track this summer. The new surface will replace an 8-year-old urethane track. Installation is underway and should be completed by mid-July.

Tom Samuels Track, named in honor of the former EKU football and track coach, was dedicated in 1976. Each June, the track hosts the Kentucky Special Olympics State Summer Games’ track and field events, and in May 2009 it will be the site for the Ohio Valley Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Mondo’s Super X track has been the world’s top track for more than 30 years. Globally recognized as the fastest, most durable and environmentally safest track available, Mondo’s Super X track has been used in the past eight Olympic Games, and Mondo is the official supplier to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing for athletic tracks.

“Many of our athletes have achieved faster times on Mondo tracks, and we want to provide them with the track that will help them reach top speeds,” assistant track and field coach Tim Moore said. “Mondo’s rubber surface has a longer lifespan than urethane tracks, and we were impressed that Mondo was chosen for the Olympics. It’s a testament to the tracks’ performance and quality.”

Developed to maintain its initial physical properties over its life, Super X provides consistent performance. The vulcanized natural rubber surface provides maximum elasticity and unparalleled durability, and its embossed, textured finish makes it extremely easy to maintain with no resurfacing required. This high-performance track is renowned for its shock absorption and optimal energy return, and an ideal blend of speed and comfort minimizes the occurrence of injuries. More than 1,100 Mondo Super X tracks have been installed globally, and more than 220 world records and countless national and personal best records have been set on Mondo Super X tracks.