At the 2001 Mediterranean Games, the athletics events were held in Tunis and Radès in Tunisia from 11 to 14 September 2001.

A total of 10 new Games records were set during the competition.

A total of 46 events were contested, of which 23 by male and 23 by female athletes.

This was the first time that the male and female event programmes had reached parity as a number of new events were introduced for women, including: 3000 metres steeplechase, pole vault and hammer throw.

This was also the final time that marathon races were held at the Mediterranean Games as they were replaced by the half marathon from 2005 onwards.