Athletics at the 1988 Summer Paralympics consisted of 345 events.

Because of ties for third place in the men's 800 metre A1–3/A9/L2 and precision throw C1 events, a total of 347 bronze medals were awarded.

There was also a tie for first place in the women's 100 m 5–6.

That meant 345 gold medals and 344 silver medals were awarded.

Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Thailand and Tunisia won their first ever medals in this sport.