Olympic Marathon Champion Suspended for Doping — image accompanying The Guardian Athletics's report. Photograph: Mark Baker/AP; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
World marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit following a positive test for EPO. The 33-year-old athlete, who won Olympic gold in 2021, is under investigation. The sample was collected in Kenya before her recent Sydney Marathon victory.
Jepchirchir, a four-time World Marathon Major winner, holds a world record in the half-marathon. Her suspension adds to the list of Kenyan athletes sanctioned by the AIU since 2017. This includes Ruth Chepngetich, the current women’s marathon world record-holder. Read more racing coverage.
The suspension comes as World Athletics prepares to award Nairobi the 2029 world championships, likely increasing scrutiny on Kenya’s anti-doping policies. Jepchirchir’s career achievements include wins in the Sydney, London, Boston, and New York marathons. Related: Kenya's Anti-Doping Reforms Under Scrutiny Ahead of 2029 World Championships.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Olympic Marathon Champion Suspended for Doping?
Kenyan runner Peres Jepchirchir faces suspension after positive test for EPO. World marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit following a positive test for EPO. The 33-year-old athlete, who won Olympic gold in 2021, is under investigation. The sample was collected in Kenya before her recent Sydney Marathon victory.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 23, 2026. The underlying The Guardian Athletics report was dated October 23, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from The Guardian Athletics. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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