Marathon Runners Face Suspensions Over Doping Allegations
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 24 Oct 2026, 6:15 am AEST
Several high-profile marathon runners, including Peres Jepchirchir and Ruti Aga, have been provisionally suspended following failed drug tests. The suspensions relate to the use of banned substances and tampering with anti-doping processes.
What happened
- Peres Jepchirchir, the world marathon champion, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after an EPO positive test taken before her Sydney Marathon victory in August.
- The AIU reported the out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya returned an adverse analytical finding for EPO, a blood booster.
- Gianni Demadonna, Jepchirchir’s agent, expressed regret and called for disqualification.
- Ruti Aga was also banned for six years following a positive methylprednisolone test from a Chinese half-marathon in March, with the AIU determining the prescription was falsified and the clinic involved did not exist.
- Aga failed to respond to charges related to the substance and tampering.
- Kara Goucher, a former broadcaster, expressed skepticism and sadness for athletes affected by the outcome.
- The Sydney Marathon expressed disappointment regarding the situation, emphasizing its commitment to clean sport.
- This follows the three-year ban of Ruth Chepngetich, Kenya’s women’s marathon world record holder, due to a hydrochlorothiazide violation.
Original reporting
- Guardian: Six-year ban for top marathon runner who submitted fake prescription
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00 - ABC: Sydney marathon champion Jepchirchir provisionally banned over EPO finding
2026-10-23T20:15:13+00:00 - Sky News: Former Olympic marathon champion suspended after failed drugs test
2026-10-23T13:42:00+00:00