Kenyan marathon champion banned from all competitions for seven years

AIU bans Kenyan marathon champion, Josephine Chepkoech for seven-for doping violations

The Athletics Integrity Unit has slapped Josephine Chepkoech with a seven-year ban for the Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone) from May 7, 2024.

In addition, Chepkoech’s results from February 18 this year have also been disqualified.

The 2019 Geneva Marathon champion was provisionally suspended by the AIU on May 9, 2024, being served with a Notice of Allegation for violating Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of its anti-doping regulations.

The AIU explained that on February 18, Chepkoech provided a urine sample during her competition at the Seville Marathon where she finished second in the race and after her urine was tested, it was found to have substances banned by the World Athletics Anti-doping Agency.

It was further noted that the athlete was not exempted from the use of the substance, popularly known as the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

The athlete accepted the ruling but this was the second time she had found herself on the wrong side of the law, having violated the anti-doping rules. She had previously served a period of ineligibility for two years from 2015 to 2017.

Former US special envoy questions capability of Kenya police mission in Haiti

State House announces public auction of vehicles; How to bid

TSC to employ 26,000 intern teachers on permanent and pensionable terms in July

New details emerge over the shooting of the US Embassy official

Why Kenyans are not at peace in 2024; NCIC Report

Pastor Ng’ang’a reacts to Benny Hinn admission of making false prophecies

The athlete was required to serve a ban of eight years but after she accepted the ruling and responded in good time, she will serve the ban for seven years.

Meanwhile, Chepkoech made her marathon debut in 2018 at the Nairobi Marathon, dominating the women’s race and winning in a time of 2:33:11.

Last season, she competed in the Chengdu Marathon and ended up finishing fifth.

She has enjoyed a great marathon running career after her debut, where she finished second in both the 2019 Sydney Marathon and Zurich Marathon.

In 2020, she finished fourth in the Zurich Marathon before her two marathons in 2023 and 2024.

Also read,

UDA governor hits out at Oscar Sudi for publicly attacking DP Gachagua

Grade two pupil awarded Ksh.650K after being expelled from school in Garissa over HIV-positive

List of ten counties NCIC wants renamed

State House intervenes after Muguka Ban in Mombasa and Kilifi counties

Woman claiming to be Raila Odinga’s personal doctor charged over Ksh25m scandal

KNEC issues warning over fake certificate upgrades and replacements

Miguna slams Ruto over his defence on using a private jet instead of KQ to the USA