Teams scored for every place in the top 8 with 8 points awarded for first place, 7 for second, etc. The overall points winner was given the Golden Baton.[5]
37 nations were due to take part in the competition, before the renouncement of Canada,[6] India,[7] Jamaica,[8] Nigeria,[9] and Trinidad and Tobago.[10][11] Other notable absences include Australia, China and the USA, who will all be missing the event for the first time. Zambia are set to make their debut.
Spanish Ángel David Rodríguez, 41, is the oldest athlete entered for the event, while 17-year-old Nigerian sprinter Imaobong Nse Uko is the youngest competitor.