Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning world marathon champion and Olympic gold medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after a positive test for EPO, the agency announced Friday.
The AIU shared the news on X:
According to the AIU, the adverse analytical finding came from an out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya before her recent victory at the Sydney Marathon. EPO, or erythropoietin, is a banned hormone that boosts red blood cell production and can improve endurance.
What a provisional suspension means
A provisional suspension is not a final ruling. It bars an athlete from competing while the case moves through the disciplinary process. In most international doping cases, the athlete stays out of competition until the matter is resolved with a verdict or dropped. At this stage, no sanction has been imposed on Jepchirchir.
A decorated career
Jepchirchir, 33, won Olympic marathon gold at the 2021 Tokyo Games and claimed the world marathon title last year. She won the 2022 Boston Marathon, took the New York City Marathon title in 2021, and is a former world record holder in the half marathon. She won the Sydney Marathon in August.
Reaction
The Boston Athletic Association said it is aware of the AIU findings and supports strict anti-doping measures. It also stated that the suspension does not affect previous editions of the Boston Marathon, and that it will keep following the AIU’s investigation.
A difficult moment for Kenyan athletics
The news lands at a sensitive time for Kenya. The country was awarded the 2029 world track and field championships last month, which will be the first held in Africa. Earlier this month, World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Banka visited Kenya and said the country needs a more determined approach to preventing doping if it wants to protect its credibility.
Jepchirchir is one of the most recognizable names in Kenyan distance running, and a case involving a champion of her stature puts fresh strain on the reputation of a country that has produced many of the sport’s greatest and most respected athletes.
What comes next
Jepchirchir will remain out of competition while the AIU case proceeds. The outcome will depend on the disciplinary process, including any explanation she provides. Marathon Journal will update this story as more information becomes available.
