In total, nine competition weekends were held at eight different locations, twelve cups were contested (six for men, and six for women), and 82 races took place.
This season world cup points was awarded in the mass start event.
Additionally, the team sprint was contested as a demonstration event at both Heerenveen competitions.
The World Cup is organized by the International Skating Union (ISU).
At the World Cup stop in Calgary on 20 January 2013, Lee Sang-hwa of South Korea set a new world record on the women's 500 metres with a time of 36.80 seconds.