Kenyan Marathoner Set to Lose Ksh5 Million Prize After 5-Year Doping Ban

Kenyan marathon runner Albert Korir has received a five-year ban from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for multiple doping violations, dealing another significant blow to the country's athletics community.

The AIU confirmed the sanction on Monday, stating that Korir had admitted to using a prohibited substance. The athlete tested positive for Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (CERA) in several out-of-competition tests.

"The AIU has banned Albert Korir (Kenya) for 5 years from 8 January 2026 for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (CERA). DQ results from 3 October 2025," the AIU announced in a statement.

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CERA is a synthetic hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned it because it artificially enhances endurance by improving oxygen delivery to the muscles, providing an unfair competitive advantage.

The violation was discovered after Korir provided three samples in October 2025. Analysis at a WADA-accredited laboratory confirmed the presence of the banned substance. Since Korir did not possess a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for CERA and no procedural errors were found, the case was classified as an anti-doping rule violation.

On January 12, 2026, Korir admitted to the charges and accepted the proposed sanctions. His cooperation earned him a one-year reduction from what would have otherwise been a six-year ban.

As a result of the ban, all of Korir's results from October 3, 2025, have been disqualified. This includes the forfeiture of any titles, medals, points, prize money, and appearance fees he earned during that period. Notably, this affects his third-place finish at the New York City Marathon in November 2025.

It means Korir will lose $40,000 (Ksh5 million) being the prize money for finishing third at the 2025 New York Marathon.

Korir had a successful international career, winning the Ottawa Marathon in both 2019 and 2025. He was also a consistent top performer in New York, securing five podium finishes over the years, including winning the race in 2021, second place twice and third place as many times.