At the 2005 West Asian Games, the athletics events were held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar.

[1] Contested over three days, from 7 to 9 December, it was the first time that women were allowed to compete in athletics events at the Games.

[2][3] The competition featured some high level performances by a handful of elite athletes: former World Youth champions Belal Mansoor Ali and Yahya Al-Ghahes won the 1500 metres and 100 metres, respectively, while world silver medallist Mubarak Hassan Shami claimed the half marathon title.

Their tally was greatly buoyed by the performances of former Kenya distance runners, including event winners Gamal Belal Salem, Majed Saeed Sultan and Musa Amer Obaid.

It was later revealed that 3000 metres steeplechase bronze medalist Mohammed Khassaf of Iraq and 200 metres and women's relay gold medallist Munira Saleh failed drugs test at the event and were banned.