Abstract: An impact absorbing macadam comprises 10 to 75% (preferably 25 to 45%) of a particulate rubber having a particle size of up to 40 mm, 25 to 90% (preferably 45 to 65%) of an aggregate having a particle of up to 40 mm and from 5 to 9% of a polymer modified bituminous binder. Typically such a macadam has a void volume, interconnected or unconnected, of from 5 to 25%. The polymer which modifies the bituminous binder is preferably an unbranched styrene butadiene styrene block copolymer forming about 7% of the modified binder. The macadam is suitable as a base for sports pitches and athletic tracks without a rubber shock pad overlay.