PARIS (AFP) - Some 762 athletes from 48 countries are set to compete in the IAAF's inaugural World Relays in the Bahamas on May 24-25, track and field's world governing body announced Thursday.

The five relay events in Nassau will involve 90 men's teams and 64 women's teams, with preliminary entry lists naming 440 men and 322 women, the IAAF said.

Besides the Olympic and world disciplines of the 4x100m and 4x400m, there will also be the 4x200m, 4x800m and 4x1500m.

The top eight teams in both the men's and women's 4x100m and 4x400m will automatically qualify for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.

There will also be substantial prize money on offer for the eight finalists, the winners going away with US$50,000 (S$63,370), with a similar bonus for any world record.