The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Peres Jepchirchir after detecting an adverse analytical finding for EPO in an out-of-competition sample collected in Kenya, ahead of her victory at the Sydney Marathon on August 30.
The Kenyan athlete has the right to request analysis of the B sample. The procedure will determine the next steps of the case, which could lead to formal charges or be closed depending on the results and subsequent actions. At this moment, the suspension is provisional and does not constitute a final doping sanction.
Jepchirchir is one of the leading figures in world marathon running. She is the Olympic champion in Tokyo 2020 and was crowned World champion in Tokyo 2025. Additionally, she has won four major international marathons: New York in 2021, Boston in 2022, London in 2024 and Sydney in 2026. Her career also includes the world record in the women’s marathon set at London 2024, with a time of 2:16:16, subsequently surpassed. Her personal best stands at 2:14:43, achieved at the Valencia Marathon in 2025.View this post on Instagram
Sydney defends its commitment to clean sport
The organizers of the Sydney Marathon have expressed their “extreme disappointment” at the news and stated they will refrain from further comment until the process is completed. In their statement, they reiterated their commitment to clean sport and to providing equal conditions for all participants.
The Australian event has also highlighted its collaboration with the AIU and with the other Abbott World Marathon Majors to strengthen out-of-competition anti-doping controls.
In addition, the World Marathon Majors rules provide that any athlete who receives a doping sanction of three months or more is banned for life from the eight events that currently make up the circuit.