[2]: 1 The governing body of this series is World Association of Veteran Athletes (WAVA).

[5] [6]: 56 This Championships was organized by WAVA in coordination with a Local Organising Committee (LOC) headed by Sten-Olof Hansen.

[1] [2]: 18 In addition to a full range of track and field events, [7] [8] non-stadia events included 10K Cross Country, 10K Race Walk (women), 20K Race Walk (men), and Marathon.

[9] The participation of South African athletes in WAVA competitions had been at odds with the IAAF, specifically due to the 1977 WAVA constitution which had stated that [3]: 167 [10] no competitor be barred because of race, religion, ethnic background, or national origin.As a compromise, South Africans often competed at these Championships under the flag of other nations before 1987.

[16]: 34 The blind sprinter Fritz Assmy, now in the M75 class and guided by his grandson, [6]: 52 set new WRs in the 100m and 200m sprints, [3]: 185 running in his assigned lane 8 to avoid getting in the way of other competitors.