There were 45 athletics events at the 2018 South American Games in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

23 for men and 22 for women.

The events were held between June 5 and 8 at the Estadio de Atletismo GAMC.

The winner of each individual event qualifies for the 2019 Pan American Games, granted their NOC enters them into the competition.

[1] *   Host nation (Bolivia)