At the 1981 Central African Games, the athletics events were held in Luanda, Angola from 20 August – 30 September.
[1][2] A total of 34 track and field events were contested (20 for men and 14 for women).
[3] Seven athletes won multiple individual titles at the games.
Among the women, Cameroon's Ruth Enang Mesode did a sprint double, Marcianne Mukamurenzi of Rwanda won the 1500 metres and 3000 metres titles, Cameroonian heptathlete Cécile Ngambi won the high jump and 100 metres hurdles, and her teammate Agnès Tchuinté won both the discus throw and javelin throw.
The standard of performances improved across the board, with games records being set in 24 of the 34 events contested – 19 of the games records set went unbeaten in the competition's history.