World champion Jepchirchir fails drugs test
Olympic and world champion marathon runner Peres Jepchirchir has been provisionally suspended after an out-of-competition sample tested positive for EPO. The sample was taken in Kenya before her victory at the Sydney Marathon, raising questions over the result and the standing of one of the sport’s leading athletes.
Jepchirchir, 33, won in Sydney on 30 August 2026 in 2 hours 18 minutes 31 seconds, finishing 3 minutes 40 seconds ahead of compatriot Irene Chepet Cheptai. EPO stimulates red blood cell production and can increase oxygen delivery to muscles. Jepchirchir won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020 and the world title in 2025, and has also won the New York, Boston and London marathons.
In short
- Peres Jepchirchir is provisionally suspended after a sample tested positive for EPO.
- The sample was collected in Kenya before her Sydney Marathon win.
- She won Sydney by 3 minutes 40 seconds in 2:18:31.
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The case for
A provisional suspension is a necessary safeguard for fair competition when a sample tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug such as EPO. If the result is confirmed and the rules were breached, disqualifying the Sydney performance would protect clean athletes and public confidence in the sport, regardless of Jepchirchir’s achievements.
The case against
A positive test and provisional suspension are not a final finding of a violation, so Jepchirchir should have a fair chance to challenge the result and present any relevant evidence before conclusions are drawn. Treating her Sydney victory as tainted before that process is complete could unfairly damage her reputation and the standing of her achievements.