Alright Rocco, try to envision this. 3/8" diameter steel rod stock that has had both ends smashed in a press to flatten it. Then those flattened ends are cut into a point like an Indian arrowhead or barb. Then you bend the center of that rod stock to the diameter of the plastic pipe. You also make sure that the hoop penetrates the earth at least 9" so that it won't pull out so easy.

I apologize for not including a drawing with my post.

And you are quite right that there is more way to achieve a given objective as it pertains to running a track. However, certain things work better than others. This is fact. Why can't these little refinements be stated/suggested without fear of being chastised?