Kenyan Marathon runner banned for TEN years

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) bans Kenyan Marathon runner, Titus Ekiru for ten years.

Titus Ekiru, a Kenyan marathon runner, has been given a ten-year suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for conspiring with a physician to take illegal medications.

In a statement on Monday, October 16, AIU said the 31-year-old athlete tested positive twice for the Triamcinolone Acetonide, metabolite and its marker norpethidine in his in-competition urine samples at marathons which he won in 2021.

The international organization also ruled that Ekiru’s victory in 2021 was invalid, costing him all trophies and money he won.

“In addition to the ban which runs from 28 June 2022 (the date of Ekiru’s provisional suspension) until 27 June 2032 – Ekiru’s results on and since 16 May 2021 have been disqualified, resulting in the forfeiture of all prizes and money. Ekiru’s victory in the Generali Milano Marathon would have made him the sixth-fastest marathoner of all time,” read the statement in part.

Hamas laying a trap for Israel as IDF readies for ground offensive; UK spy chief warns

Former LSK president volunteer to represent victims of Athi River demolitions

Government to introduce service fees at all Huduma Centres; CS Kuria

Don’t try me! CS Kuria fires warning to officers who skipped his event

174 Amabuko high school students admitted over suspected food poisoning

IMF warns against cutting interest rates

According to AIU, Ekiru was charged with two counts of the presence of a prohibited substance in July 2023 as per Rule 2.1 of the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules (ADR) and two counts of Tampering or Attempted Tampering with any part of Doping Control (ADR Rule 2.5).

“Initially, Ekiru signaled his intention to contest the charges. However, faced with substantial evidence against him, the Kenyan athlete decided that he no longer wanted to pursue the case,” AIU stated.

The international body also disclosed it acquired Ekiru’s hospital records in conjunction with the Anti Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) which showed discrepancies in the marathoner’s explanations and supporting documentation.

“It was the testimony of the Nandi County Director of Medical Services which solidified the case against Ekiru with a series of damning conclusions while also exposing the complicity of the senior doctor,” AIU added.

Also read,

One dead as Ruto PS involved in road accident

Ruto hires Bill Gates Foundation to advise on Maisha Namba rollout

Decomposed body of 78-year-old woman found after missing for days

Raila denies endorsing Kalonzo for the 2027 presidential elections

Ruto’s Chief of Staff hints at possible Raila-Ruto deal

Safaricom launches new youth empowerment platform (Hook)

Follow us

FaceBook

Telegram