Ruti Aga banned for six years over fake prescription — image accompanying The Guardian Athletics's report. Photograph: Issei Kato/Reuters; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Ruti Aga, a top marathon runner, faces a six-year ban from competition. The ban stems from a failed drug test and a fake prescription she submitted. Aga claimed the prescription was for knee pain treatment, but it was found to be fraudulent.
The Ethiopian athlete, who won the Tokyo marathon in 2019, tested positive for methylprednisolone. The Athletics Integrity Unit found the clinic on her prescription did not exist. The signature was from a family member, not a doctor. Aga did not respond to charges, leading to the ban. Read more racing coverage.
The ban includes two years for using the banned substance and four for tampering with the anti-doping process. Aga's career achievements include podium finishes at the Berlin and New York marathons. Related: Ethiopian Marathon Runner Aga Banned for Six Years.
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 Ruti Aga banned for six years over fake prescription?
Marathon runner's ban includes two years for substance use, four for tampering Ruti Aga, a top marathon runner, faces a six-year ban from competition. The ban stems from a failed drug test and a fake prescription she submitted. Aga claimed the prescription was for knee pain treatment, but it was found to be fraudulent.
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 22, 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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