Athletics Kenya Breaks Silence on Peres Jepchirchir’s Provisional Suspension Over EPO Finding

Athletics Kenya has responded to the provisional suspension of marathon star Peres Jepchirchir, reaffirming its commitment to clean sport as the athlete faces an anti-doping case involving a prohibited substance.

In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, the federation said it supported efforts by anti-doping agencies to protect the integrity of athletics and ensure fair competition.

Athletics Kenya acknowledged the significance of the development involving the reigning world marathon champion but maintained that anti-doping rules must be applied consistently to all competitors.

The federation clarified that the testing and subsequent provisional suspension were handled by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the body responsible for the case.

According to AK, the procedures were conducted in line with established anti-doping regulations, international standards and applicable case management protocols.

The federation also recognised the role of the AIU and the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) in enforcing anti-doping rules and protecting athletes who compete without prohibited substances.

AK reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on doping, adding that it would continue educating athletes and strengthening testing frameworks to safeguard the credibility of Kenyan athletics.

The suspension was announced by the AIU on Friday, October 23, after an out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya returned an adverse analytical finding for erythropoietin (EPO), a prohibited substance associated with enhancing athletic performance.

The sample was collected before Jepchirchir competed in the Sydney Marathon on August 30, 2026, which she went on to win.

Organisers of the Sydney Marathon expressed disappointment over the announcement but emphasised that the Kenyan athlete was entitled to due process. They said they would not comment further until the case had been concluded.

The organisers also noted that under Abbott World Marathon Majors rules, athletes who receive doping bans of three months or more face a lifetime ban from all eight major marathon events.

Jepchirchir is among Kenya’s most accomplished distance runners. Her major victories include the Sydney Marathon in 2026, London Marathon in 2024, Boston Marathon in 2022 and New York Marathon in 2021.

She is also a former Olympic champion and former world record-holder in the half-marathon.

The provisional suspension does not, by itself, amount to a final finding of an anti-doping violation. The case remains subject to the applicable disciplinary process and the athlete’s right to respond to the allegation.

https://nairobileo.co.ke/news/article/31070/athletics-kenya-breaks-silence-on-peres-chepchirchirs-provisional-suspension

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