Ruti Aga wins the Tokyo marathon in 2019. Image accompanying BBC Sport Athletics’ report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ethiopian marathon runner Ruti Aga received a six-year ban for using a fake prescription. Aga won the 2019 Tokyo Marathon. She tested positive for methylprednisolone after a half marathon in China.
Aga received a two-year ban for the steroid, which is performance-enhancing. She got an additional four-year ban for tampering with evidence. Aga claimed the positive test was due to a knee injury treatment. The prescription was from a non-existent clinic, issued by a family member. Read more racing coverage.
The Athletics Integrity Unit confirmed the prescription was fake. The clinic did not exist, and the individual was not a doctor. Aga has been suspended since September 10. The ban starts from that date. Related: Ruti Aga banned for six years by AIU for doping violations.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from BBC Sport Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Ethiopian Marathon Runner Aga Banned for Six Years?
Ruti Aga banned for using a fake prescription from a family member. Ethiopian marathon runner Ruti Aga received a six-year ban for using a fake prescription. Aga won the 2019 Tokyo Marathon. She tested positive for methylprednisolone after a half marathon in China.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 22, 2026. The underlying BBC Sport Athletics report was dated October 22, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from BBC Sport Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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