If drainage is an issue then gravel or coarse sand as a substrate is ok. As a final product I have heard of issues with odor and maintenance. Personally I have not tried. Construction wise, a layer of gravel at least 3" deep (5-6" recommended) covered with a barrier cloth used in poor drainage areas will help reduce pooling by raising surface levels. Poor drainage still needs to be addressed with drainage tile or trenching. It would still be recommend to finish with another material, DL, shavings etc. The problem with sand/gravel in wet areas is it tends to compact into the underlying surface and the mud will return. I've read a lot of posts this year where people are having trouble with water in the run. Honestly in most cases it would probably be more efficient to move the run than try to mitigate the water. Success in drying an area is an expensive and labor intensive prospect to undertake. Almost every case will require some kind of drainage investment. Unless the water goes somewhere else the problem will continue. Regardless of what material the run is made with.
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