Kenyan marathoner Brimin Kipkorir has been temporarily suspended after testing positive for illegal substances. 

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the news on Monday (Feb 24). In a social media post, it said: “The AIU has provisionally suspended Brimin Misoi Kipkorir (Kenya) for the Presence/Use of Prohibited Substances (EPO, Furosemide)… This sample was collected out-of-competition on November 22 2024.” 

Kipkorir won the 2024 Sydney Marathon in a course record time of 2:06:18. He also won the Frankfurt Marathon in 2022 and 2023. 

Marathon and doping suspension 

Marathon running has been affected by a series of high-profile doping cases in recent years, particularly involving athletes from Kenya,  a powerhouse in the sport. 

According to the AIU, a provisional suspension means the action taken “when an Athlete or other Person is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct.” 

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Kenya’s Diana Kipyokei suffered an even heavier penalty than her compatriot, Kipkorir. She lost her 2021 Boston Marathon title due to a doping violation in 2022 and was given a six-year suspension. Other Kenyan athletes who received provisional suspensions this year, like Kipkorir, are Ronald Kimeli Kurgat and Geoffrey Yegon. 

You may also view the list of suspended athletes due to provisional suspensions from other countries here.