Ruti Aga banned for six years by AIU for doping violations — image accompanying Athletics Weekly's report. Image accompanying Athletics Weekly’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ruti Aga, former Tokyo Marathon champion, received a six-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for anti-doping rule violations. Aga tested positive for methylprednisolone after winning a half marathon in China.
The AIU found Aga submitted a forged prescription from a non-existent clinic to explain her positive test. She was charged with using a prohibited substance and tampering with the doping control process. Aga received two years for the substance and four for tampering. Read more racing coverage.
AIU chief Brett Clothier emphasized the importance of investigations in uncovering doping. Aga, who won the Tokyo Marathon in 2019, was provisionally suspended in September. The AIU oversees an anti-doping program for up to 300 professional road runners. Related: Kenya's Anti-Doping Reforms Under Scrutiny Ahead of 2029 World Championships.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about Ruti Aga banned for six years by AIU for doping violations?
Ethiopian runner faces six-year ban for using a prohibited substance and tampering. Ruti Aga, former Tokyo Marathon champion, received a six-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for anti-doping rule violations. Aga tested positive for methylprednisolone after winning a half marathon in China.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 22, 2026. The underlying Athletics Weekly report was dated October 22, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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