Eliud Kipchoge Urges Athletics Kenya to Proactively Tackle Doping Crisis: 'Let Us Be Genuine'

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has openly criticised Athletics Kenya officials as the country continues to grapple with a worrying rise in doping cases that threaten the integrity of the sport.

The latest development involves one of Kenya’s most accomplished marathon runners, Albert Korir, who has been suspended after testing positive for CERA (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator), a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Despite several measures being introduced to address the issue, Kenya remains in Category A for doping violations, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing the sport.

Eliud Kipchoge believes that although some progress has been made in the fight against doping, far more decisive action is required to protect clean athletes and restore confidence in Kenyan athletics.

Speaking at the Sirikwa Classic launch, Eliud Kipchoge mentioned the ongoing doping challenges in Kenya, emphasising that addressing them requires honesty and a willingness to look beyond the track.

He pointed out that many athletes struggle not because they lack talent, but because they are not provided with the proper structure, guidance, and support systems that are essential for success.

Eliud Kipchoge reflected on the persistent problem of doping in the sport and admitted that he often wonders why it continues to be such a significant challenge, despite the many capable minds working within Kenyan athletics.

He urged officials, coaches, and stakeholders to take the time to sit down and have open, thorough discussions about doping, stressing that tackling the issue demands deliberate planning, honest conversation, and collective effort to create the right environment for athletes to thrive.

“As we build these pathways, let us also be honest beyond the track. Many athletes face challenges, it’s not because they lack talent, but it’s because they lack the right structure and support,” Eliud Kipchoge said.

“Doping has been a great challenge to all of us, but sometimes I ask myself, ‘Why is doping a great challenge?’ We have great minds who are here.

“Have you ever sat down and discussed doping? Make sure you have the right day, and sit down and discuss doping in Kenya.”

Eliud Kipchoge further stated that Kenya’s placement in the riskiest was not solely the responsibility of the athletes, but a collective failure involving everyone within the country’s athletics system.

The five-time Berlin Marathon champion called for genuine and honest engagement among those in authority, urging them to come together, openly share ideas, and develop a clear and practical roadmap on how doping can be effectively eliminated.

He stressed that addressing the issue should go beyond endless discussions and instead focus on concrete action.

While he clarified that his remarks were not meant to apply pressure, Eliud Kipchoge reminded officials that holding office comes with responsibility and purpose, warning that failing to speak the truth and confront the problem head-on could lead to lasting regret for those entrusted with leadership roles.

“We are in Category A, not because of athletes but because of all of us in Kenya. When the children are misbehaving, we blame the parents. Let us be genuine, sit down and share these things, the right roadmap, and what we can do to stop doping,” he added.

“Not just sitting and talking. I’m not giving you pressure, but it’s because you hold the office. You know the reason why you are in that office, and the moment you’ll be on your deathbed, guilt will be the end of you because you don't want to say the truth and face the truth.”