Sixth-fastest marathoner in history faces a potential 10-year doping ban

Another Kenyan doping scandal has rocked the marathon world. On Monday, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended the sixth fastest marathoner in history, Titus Ekiru, related to multiple positive doping tests and tampering. Ekiru could be facing a lengthy 10-year ban.

The AIU has provisionally suspended Titus Ekiru (Kenya) for the presence of Prohibited Substances (Triamcinolone Acetonide and metabolite; Pethidine and metabolite) and for Tampering.

Details here: https://t.co/Y8LF9j2o9f pic.twitter.com/3uQgbOyn1i

— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) July 3, 2023

According to the AIU, at the 2021 Milan Marathon, Ekiru tested positive for the corticosteroid triamcinolone acetonide, which is prohibited for use in competition unless an athlete is granted an exemption for medical use (TUE). Although Ekiru claimed medical treatment as the reason behind the first positive test, his defence took a blow when he tested positive for a synthetic opioid after winning the Abu Dhabi Marathon in November 2021.

Two charges of tampering have also been added to Ekiru’s case, for submitting falsified medical explanations and documentation to the AIU for both positive tests. These charges further compound the seriousness of the case and make a lengthy ban more likely.

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Ekiru ran a time of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds to win the 2021 Milan Marathon, the sixth fastest time in history and only a minute and a half behind Eliud Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:39 at the time.

The AIU highlighted a concerning trend of triamcinolone acetonide use among Kenyan athletes, casting a shadow of doubt over the credibility of their performances. The substance gained notoriety when British cyclist Bradley Wiggins used it with a medical exemption while competing at the 2012 Tour de France, a race he went on to win.

The 31-year-old will now defend himself before the World Athletics Disciplinary Tribunal, fully aware that a potential 10-year ban hangs over his head.

Ekiru trains in Kapsabet, Kenya, with 2 Runners Club under the prestigious Italian marathon coach Claudio Berardelli, who also coaches two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet, TCS Toronto champion Benson Kipruto and 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto.

According to the AIU, more than 70 Kenyan athletes are currently serving provisional suspensions or bans. In late 2022, World Athletics and the Kenyan government committed $25 million to the fight against doping in athletics over the next five years.