Athletics Kenya react after world champ tests positive for banned substance

NAIROBI, Kenya, October 26, 2026 – Athletics Kenya (AK) have expressed disappointment over the provisional suspension of Peres Jepchirchir after the world marathon champion tested positive for the banned substance, EPO.

While acknowledging the decision, the national governing body reiterated its no-nonsense approach towards doping.

“While it is unfortunate to receive such news regarding a high-profile athlete, Athletics Kenya remains firm in its stance on promoting clean sport and ensuring a level-playing field for all competition,” the federation said.

AK further expressed full support for the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for its efforts to curb the vice in the country and expressed satisfaction with the process leading up to Jepchirchir’s suspension.

“Athletics Kenya notes that the testing procedures and subsequent provisional suspension were conducted directly by AIU, as the designated testing authority, in accordance with the established anti-doping regulations , international standards and lawful case management protocols,” they said.

Jepchirchir’s provisional suspension was announced on Friday afternoon (October 23), AIU revealing that the 33-year-old tested positive from a sample collected out-of-competition, just before she competed and won the Sydney Marathon in August.

She is the latest high profile runner to fall afoul of the anti-doping regulations, a few months after Kibiwott Kandie was slapped with a 7-year ban for refusing an out-of-competition test and obstructing doping control officers.

Last year, world record holder Ruth Chepngetich was suspended for three years after admitting offence in which she tested positive for hydrocholorothiazide (HCZ).