Athletics competitions at the 1981 Bolivarian Games were held in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, between December 4–14, 1981.

A detailed history of the early editions of the Bolivarian Games between 1938 and 1989 was published in a book written (in Spanish) by José Gamarra Zorrilla, former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee, and first president (1976-1982) of ODESUR.

[1] Gold medal winners from Ecuador were published by the Comité Olímpico Ecuatoriano.

[2] A total of 38 events were contested, 23 by men and 15 by women.

[3] *   Host nation (Venezuela)