In just the last week, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU)—the independent anti-doping body for World Athletics—has landed two “big fish” in the murky waters of marathon running.
First, Ethiopian runner Ruti Aga received a six-year ban for doping and attempting to deceive investigators by submitting forged documents.
Aga, a winner of the Tokyo Marathon, had spent recent years dominating races across China—sweeping up titles at major marathons and half-marathons—which is where she was ultimately caught.
And today, a bombshell: Peres Jepchirchir—the reigning world champion, world record holder in a women-only marathon (2:16:16, set without male pacemakers), 2021 Olympic champion, three-time world half-marathon champion, and winner of four World Marathon Majors (New York, Boston, London, and Sydney)—has tested positive for EPO during the out-competition test in Kenya.
Jepchirchir has been placed under a provisional suspension pending further investigation, but the likelihood of her escaping punishment is virtually zero.
Doping remains rampant in road running—far more so than on the track—and, unfortunately, it persists at every level. However, anti-doping efforts are working, and cheaters are being actively caught.
And that’s a good thing! See less