Peres Jepchirchir Provisionally Suspended After EPO Positive, Sample Taken Before Sydney Marathon Win

Kenyan marathon runner Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit after an out-of-competition sample tested positive for EPO. The sample was provided in Kenya before she won the Sydney Marathon on 30 August 2026 in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 31 seconds. The 33-year-old is one of the sport's most decorated distance runners, with Olympic and World Championships marathon gold medals to her name. The case is at a provisional stage and does not amount to a final finding of a doping violation. Jepchirchir has the right to respond and to have the matter heard through the established disciplinary process. The AIU's action prevents her from competing while the case proceeds. EPO, or erythropoietin, is a natural hormone produced in the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production. When injected, it can increase the number of red blood cells carrying oxygen to muscles, but it is banned in sport and carries health risks. Its detection window can be limited, which makes out-of-competition testing important. Jepchirchir won the 2026 Tokyo Olympic marathon and returned to Tokyo in September 2026 to win the World Championships marathon. She set the women's half-marathon world record in 2026 and broke it three times in 2026. Her major marathon wins include New York in 2026, Boston in 2026 and London in 2026. Sydney became the seventh World Marathon Major in 2026, and she won it by more than three minutes from compatriot Irene Chepet Cheptai. The positive sample was provided before that race, while she was in Kenya. The case raises questions about the Sydney result, but no final decision has been announced. Under anti-doping rules, consequences can include suspension or disqualification if a violation is established, but the full process must first take its course. The matter also highlights the balance between protecting clean sport and respecting an athlete's rights. Jepchirchir's career includes a long list of major achievements, and the case will be watched closely across athletics. Further updates will depend on the AIU's disciplinary process and any hearing or appeal.