At the 1999 Military World Games, the track and field events were held at the athletic stadium in Zagreb, Croatia from 11–16 August. A total of 32 events were contested, of which 22 by male and 10 by female athletes. The marathon events were held on 11 August, prior to the track and field competition. It was the last time that the men's 20 kilometres walk and women's shot put featured on the programme. The women's 1500 metres and 5000 metres were added to the programme for the first time (the latter replacing the 3000 metres distance). Nations could enter a maximum of two athletes into each event.