Photo via Athletics Weekly

Peres Jepchirchir suspended after testing positive for EPO

Kenyan marathon star Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after an out‑of‑competition test taken in Kenya returned a positive result for the blood‑boosting drug EPO. The finding came ahead of her victory at the Sydney Marathon on August 30, where she recorded a time of 2:18:31 to finish ahead of compatriot Irene Chepet Cheptai (2:22:11) and Shure Demise (2:22:33).

Jepchirchir, 33, entered the race as the reigning world marathon champion and Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, having logged a personal best of 2:14:43 in Valencia earlier in the year, a performance that places her ninth on the all‑time marathon list. She may now request analysis of the B sample, after which the case will proceed.

The suspension follows previous Kenyan doping cases, including former Olympic champion Jemima Sumgong’s eight‑year ban for EPO and Ruth Chepngetich’s three‑year sanction for a prohibited diuretic.

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