Kenyan runner Jepchirchir suspended for doping

Jepchirchir was crowned world champion in Tokyo in 2025, previously held the world record in the half marathon, and achieved notable victories in the London (2024), Boston (2022), and New York (2021) marathons.

Barnabas Korir, Youth Development Director at Athletics Kenya and Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya, said he was deeply shocked by the news of the suspension.

Korir told Agence France-Presse (AFP), "It is very disappointing, especially since it comes shortly after we won the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships."

He added, "We are in a state of shock, especially since it involves a runner of Peres Jepchirchir's stature, who has a distinguished career."

He continued, "We really don't know what is happening with our athletes."

Kenya is considered a superpower in the world of athletics, particularly in long and middle-distance races; it ranked second in the overall standings at the Tokyo World Championships, behind the United States, with a total of 11 medals (7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze).

However, the country has faced a rise in doping cases for several years, with more than 140 Kenyan athletes, including world marathon record holder Ruth Chepngetich, having been suspended or banned from participating in any competitions due to the use of prohibited substances since 2017.

In this context, Witold Bańka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), warned on October 6 that Kenya, which recently won the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships—the first edition to be held in Africa—must be a role model in the field of anti-doping.

Bańka said, "Kenya proudly calls itself the 'Home of Champions.' But for this home to remain respected and credible, it must also be clean."

He added, "For this reason, Kenya needs to establish a strong culture of clean sport, adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward doping, and follow a more assertive approach to prevent and combat doping."

Bańka noted that joint cooperation with Kenyan authorities would help lay the foundations for a cleaner sport.

For his part, Briton Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, stated in an interview with the press on October 14 that "this championship will help us in this endeavor" aimed at making Kenyan athletics more honest and free of doping.