Written by Peris WambuKenya sports betting writer
Published 24 October 2026
Kenyan marathon star Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after an out-of-competition sample returned an adverse analytical finding for erythropoietin (EPO).
The suspension, announced on Friday 23 October 2026, comes as a major blow to Kenyan athletics, with the reigning world marathon champion facing a disciplinary process that could result in a lengthy ban if the violation is established.
Jepchirchir is among Kenya’s most decorated long-distance runners, making the development a significant setback for the country’s reputation in international athletics.
Why Peres Jepchirchir has been suspended
According to the AIU, the sample that triggered the provisional suspension was collected in Kenya before Jepchirchir’s recent victory at the Sydney Marathon.
EPO stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to working muscles. The substance is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) rules because of its potential to enhance endurance performance.
The athlete’s case remains under investigation, and the provisional suspension does not amount to a final finding of an anti-doping violation.
A provisional suspension temporarily prevents an athlete from competing while disciplinary proceedings are ongoing.
Her Sydney Marathon victory could be affected, depending on the outcome of the case and the applicable rules.
Athletics Kenya official shocked by suspension
Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir has expressed shock at the development, describing it as a big disappointment.
The suspension comes just weeks after Kenya secured the hosting rights for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, raising concerns about the country’s efforts to strengthen its anti-doping record.
It also follows a visit by World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Bańka, who publicly warned about doping in Kenya.
Jepchirchir joins a growing list of Kenyan athletes who have faced anti-doping proceedings in recent years. More than 140 Kenyan athletes have been suspended or banned by the AIU since 2017, including women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich.
A major blow to Jepchirchir’s legacy
Jepchirchir has built an impressive career, winning Olympic gold in the women’s marathon at the Tokyo 2020 Games and the world marathon title in 2025.
She has also won four World Marathon Majors, triumphing in New York in 2021, Boston in 2022, London in 2024 and Sydney in 2026. She previously held the women’s half-marathon world record.
The doping case now threatens to overshadow those achievements as the athletics community awaits the outcome of the investigation.
For now, Jepchirchir remains provisionally suspended as the AIU continues its proceedings. The final determination will establish whether she committed an anti-doping violation and what consequences, if any, she will face.
Photo: Katie Chan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
