Anti-doping in trail and ultrarunning: is the Quartz program enough?

Mark Kangogo, winner of the 2022 Sierre-Zinal race, was recently disqualified for testing positive for two substances banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Trail racing and ultrarunning have long had very limited drug testing, aside from specific, record-qualifying events. With the huge uptick in doping suspensions in road racing and track, runners are curious how race directors of ultra and trail events are dealing with this issue.

The AIU has banned Mark Kangogo of Kenya for 3 years for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (Norandrosterone & Triamcinolone acetonide) from 9 September 2022. DQ results from 13 August 2022.

Details here: https://t.co/PCk4A0TLb1 pic.twitter.com/ZO2gWLg3wi

— Athletics Integrity Unit (@aiu_athletics) October 13, 2022

The Quartz Program (also known as the Health Program) is organized by the Athletes For Transparency Association (AFT) and is now used by some of the world’s biggest trail running races, including the Golden Trail World Series, UTMB and others). While some drug testing is being done at these races, athletes have expressed concerns about the lack of consistency across races and the significant difference in consequences sanctioned by Quartz compared to WADA. Here’s what you need to know.

What exactly is the Quartz Program?

Quartz was originally established in 2008, with the main aim being to ensure a runner’s medical fitness to participate in a trail running event, according to Simon Pallet, chair of the AFT.

Pallet explains that Quartz does medical tests before the race to obtain an athlete’s biological profile, plus toxicology testing for banned substances at the finish line. They can prevent a runner from starting if they are deemed not medically fit, and can disqualify them if they test positive for prohibited substances.

Quartz’s list of banned substances contains all the drugs regulated by WADA, but with the addition of others such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), that have proven dangerous in long races.

Races using Quartz

Two major trail running circuits currently use Quartz (and state it in their regulations): the Golden Trail Series and UTMB. Other organizations, such as the Marathon des Sables and the Festival des Templiers, also use Quartz’s services.

#quartzprogram is back on the 2nd stage of the @golden_trail

For @MarathonMtBlanc urinary / blood / salivary testing at:
D-30
D-1
Finish

No corticoïds (TUE), no beta2 agonist, no NSAIDs, no iron infusion…etc

Nothing just REAL #cleansport ?#trailrunning #doping pic.twitter.com/ybQByQ39YL

— QUARTZ Program (@QUARTZprogram) July 1, 2021

Differences between Quartz and WADA

WADA’s policies and aims are focused on detecting usage of prohibited substances and methods.

Pallet says Quartz’s agenda is different: “The Quartz Program’s aim consists of protecting the athlete’s integrity and health. This is why we established a medical list including additional substances to the anti-doping list, which have been proven to be dangerous in competition trail running.” He adds, “Our mission is not to catch those who cheat–although we are pleased to help make the sport fair–it’s to talk about health issues with the athletes and protect them when they aren’t able to do it themselves.”

Renowned ultrarunners like multiple world-record holder Camille Herron have brought attention to the lack of transparency within the sport, asking for there to be a higher expectation for athletes to know the rules around doping, as well as consequences for ultra and trail athletes who cheat.

Cheating is horrible, and this selfish act impacts others and violates the sanctity and integrity of fair sport. She was educated in a WADA accredited OOC program to be responsible for everything that goes in your body & checking medications if a TUE is needed. #cleansport

— Camille Herron (@runcamille) August 28, 2019

What authority does Quartz hold over athletes?

At races or circuits that use Quartz, athletes can be prohibited from starting if it’s judged that they have violated the race rules by non-compliance with the medical list. “However, doping doesn’t concern us,” Pallet says. “What we are interested in are the medical risks such as thrombosis or serious kidney failure.”

Quartz uses a medical approach and does not divulge results. “If an athlete wishes to, that’s their prerogative to explain, or not, why they are not starting the race,” Pallet says. He adds: “In the context of anti-doping, certain athletes may appeal any provisional suspension decisions. In this case, they are authorized to continue running while waiting for the rest of the procedure, which can sometimes be very lengthy. As part of the Quartz Program, we can still legally prevent them from participating in competitions until the procedure is entirely finalized.”