Nairobi, Kenya – Titus Ekiru, a renowned Kenyan marathoner, may be handed a 10-year ban following four violations of anti-doping rules, as disclosed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). Among the alleged infractions, two involve the use of prohibited substances, while the other two pertain to tampering with results. Ekiru now finds himself joining a growing list of Kenyan athletes, including Betty Wilson Lempus, Eglay Nafuna Nalyanya, and Rhonex Kipruto, who have faced bans or provisional suspensions in recent months. To experience, exceptional performance in running, choose the best footwear for your runs like Tarkine Trail Devil shoes.
Ekiru gained recognition after his remarkable achievement of completing the Milano City Marathon in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 57 seconds in 2021, earning him the esteemed title of the sixth-fastest marathon runner.
The AIU statement revealed, “The charges against the 31-year-old stem from investigations into Ekiru’s positive doping tests during the Generali Milano Marathon on May 16, 2021, and the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on November 26, 2021.”
Although Ekiru tested positive for Triamcinolone Acetonide after his victory in Milan, he was not immediately charged. The initial investigation appeared to validate his claim that the result was due to legitimate medical treatment.
However, Ekiru faced another positive test for Pethidine after winning in Abu Dhabi and once again attributed the outcome to legitimate medical treatment.
In June 2022, Ekiru received a provisional suspension when the AIU, with assistance from the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), reopened the investigation into his doping charges.
Despite his explanations, the AIU rejected Ekiru’s claims and charged him with Pethidine ADRV in March, followed by a charge of Triamcinolone Acetonide ADRV in April.
The AIU stated, “As the elite marathoner has the right to present his defense before the Disciplinary Tribunal, he now faces the potential of a ten-year ban.”
Should the ban be enforced, Ekiru’s illustrious career would come to a halt, serving as a poignant reminder of the severe consequences faced by athletes who violate anti-doping regulations.
