Kenyan runner could face harsh penalty after winning race during doping suspension
Kenya's James Karanga was provisionally suspended for the use of the prohibited substance norandrosterone earlier this month
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Banyuwangi Ijen Green Run
Earlier this month, Kenyan marathoner James Karanja was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the use of a prohibited substance at the 2023 Kuching Marathon in Malaysia. Now, Karanja could face further consequences, since it was discovered he competed at, and won, the Tropical Rainforest Run, a trail half-marathon in Tawau Hills, Malaysia, on Sunday.
The Athlete you suspended won a race yesterday,The race was paying cash @ADAKKENYA https://t.co/N5f3EkfyoZ pic.twitter.com/wemMpVL5yC
— Lewis Kiprop (@KipropLewis) November 27, 2023
According to the AIU, Karanja tested positive for the prohibited substance norandrosterone during an in-competition test at the 2023 Kuching Marathon, where he finished fourth and was eligible for prize money. Norandrosterone is a metabolite of the anabolic steroid nandrolone, which is used to enhance performance, increase muscle and expedite recovery.
All athletes are prohibited from competing during a provisional suspension, while the AIU investigates the case. Even if Karanja is found innocent, he could face up to four years for competing during while suspended.
Karanja was notified by the AIU of his suspension on Oct. 6, and it was made public by the World Athletics-sponsored organization in early November. According to the race website, the deadline to register was before his suspension was made public, but a considerable time after Karanja was notified.
The Kenyan, who is based in southeast Asia, won the 21.1K trail race with 800m of vertical outright in two hours and six minutes. He was awarded 3,000 Malaysian ringgit for his win, or roughly USD $700. He beat the second-place finisher, Amos Kipkemoi, by 30 seconds.
The Tropical Rainforest Run’s website makes no mention of anti-doping.
Karanja has a personal best of 2:27:27 for the marathon and 67:03 for the half.
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