The host nation Brazil topped the medal table with eight gold medals and fourteen in total. Kenya was a close runner-up, with six golds and a total of fifteen medals after strong performances in the middle to long distance running events. Poland, Qatar and Ukraine were other countries which performed well. Twenty-six nations had a medal-winning athlete in the track and field competition.
The marathon competition returned, after a break at the 2007 edition, but the racewalk and decathlon were dropped. Despite the increased number of women's track events, only three field events were contested by female athletes.