The athletics events at the 2010 South American Games (Spanish: IX Juegos Suramericanos) were held from March 20–23 at the in Medellín, Colombia. The competition also acted at the 4th South American Under-23 Championships. A total of 42 events were contested, 21 by male athletes and 21 by female athletes. The stadium was 1541 metres above sea level, thus some athletes' performances benefited from altitude assistance.