Athletics events at the 2002 South American Games were held at the Estádio Olímpico do Pará in Belém, Brazil, between August 1–3, 2002.

The results were used to determine the medals awarded for this year's South American Junior Championships.

[3] Further results are published for the South American Junior Championships (Netherlands Antilles unregarded).

Further events with low participation (only 4 athletes from 3 countries) are men's High jump and Javelin throw, and women's 3000 metres steeplechase, Shot put, and Heptathlon.

An unofficial medal count for the athletics events at South American Games is shown below.