The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan marathon runner Albert Korir after he tested positive for a prohibited substance.
In a statement, the AIU confirmed that a notice of allegation has been issued to the 31-year-old for the presence and use of Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator (CERA), in accordance with Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the anti-doping rules.
CERA is a third-generation form of EPO and is banned due to its performance-enhancing effects, particularly in boosting endurance while being designed to evade detection.
Korir is among Kenya’s most prominent road runners of recent years, having competed in several World Marathon Majors with mixed results.
He claimed victory at the 2021 New York City Marathon in 2:08:22 and returned to the event this year to finish third in 2:08:57, behind compatriots Benson Kipruto and Alexander Munyao Mutiso, who both clocked 2:08:09.
His career highlights also include strong performances at the Vienna Marathon in 2017, the Houston and Ottawa marathons in 2019, and last year’s Ottawa Race Weekend.
Korir is the latest Kenyan athlete to face provisional suspension by the AIU, following Hillary Kipchirchir, who was sanctioned in December last year for an anti-doping rule violation.
