What happened?

Peres Jepchirchir, 33, of Kenya, has been provisionally suspended after a doping test found the banned blood-booster erythropoietin (EPO). According to the BBC, the Athletics Integrity Unit, an independent body under World Athletics, announced the decision on October 24 (Korea time).

When was the sample taken?

The sample was collected in Kenya in August, ahead of her appearance at the Sydney Marathon. The test result was reported to the Athletics Integrity Unit, which handles doping cases in the sport.

Who is Peres Jepchirchir?

Jepchirchir is one of the most decorated distance runners of her generation. She set three women's half marathon world records in 2020 and won the women's marathon at the Tokyo Olympics. She also won the 2025 World Athletics Championships marathon and took titles at the New York (2021), Boston (2022), and London (2024) marathons. This year she won the Sydney Marathon in 2:18:31.

What does a provisional suspension mean?

A provisional suspension bars an athlete from competition while the case is under review. It is not a final ruling, and the athlete has the right to respond.

For international fans

If you follow marathon results, this case matters because it touches a medal-winning Olympic champion. Results and rankings may be reviewed as the case progresses.