Peres Jepchirchir in a pink top with arms outstretched, breaking a ribbon as she crosses the finish line at the Sydney marathon. Image accompanying BBC Sport Athletics’ report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Olympic and World Championships marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit. The suspension follows a positive test for EPO from a sample provided before her Sydney Marathon win.
The 33-year-old Kenyan athlete won the Sydney Marathon by three minutes and 40 seconds. She provided the sample in Kenya prior to the race. EPO, or erythropoietin, is a substance that increases red blood cells. Read more racing coverage.
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.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Olympic champion Jepchirchir suspended after positive drugs test?
Peres Jepchirchir faces suspension after testing positive for EPO. Olympic and World Championships marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit. The suspension follows a positive test for EPO from a sample provided before her Sydney Marathon win.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 23, 2026. The underlying BBC Sport Athletics report was dated October 23, 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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