The 1987 South Pacific Games, held from 8–20 December 1987 at Nouméa in New Caledonia, was the eight edition of the South Pacific Games. Political events of the time affected the Games in 1987 and the number of competitors were down. Fiji had two military coups in 1987, and within New Caledonia itself, the Games became a focus of protest in the Kanak independence struggle. The French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia had the largest teams and dominated the medal count, with Papua New Guinea finishing third ahead of a depleted Fijian team. Athletics competitions at the 1987 South Pacific Games were held at the Stade Numa-Daly Magenta in Nouméa, New Caledonia, between December 9–18, 1987. A total of 38 events were contested, 22 by men and 16 by women.
Picture: Reena Devi, a top middle distance runner and former national rep, was the first Fijian woman of Indian descent to secure a medal (silver) for the country at the South Pacific Championship. Source: The Fiji Times
Overall Medal Tally
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | New Caledonia | 25 | 12 | 12 | 49 |
| 2 | French Polynesia | 6 | 11 | 9 | 26 |
| 3 | Fiji | 4 | 6 | 5 | 15 |
| 4 | PNG | 2 | 7 | 7 | 16 |
| 5 | Tonga | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
| 6 | Wallis and Futuna | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 7 | Norfolk Islands | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |