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Marathon Champ Jepchirchir Tests Positive for EPO
23 Oct
Summary
- Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir faces provisional suspension.
- A sample tested positive for the banned substance EPO.
- The sample was provided before her Sydney Marathon win.
Olympic and World Championships marathon gold medallist Peres Jepchirchir is provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit following a positive test for EPO. The Kenyan athlete provided the sample on August 30, 2026, before competing in and winning the Sydney Marathon. Her winning time in Sydney was two hours, 18 minutes, and 31 seconds.
EPO, or erythropoietin, is a substance that stimulates red blood cell production. Injected EPO can increase oxygen supply to muscles. Jepchirchir, 33, previously won Olympic gold in Tokyo in 2020 and the World Championships in September 2025. She also holds multiple half-marathon world records and major marathon titles, including New York, Boston, and London.
