Second Kenyan marathoner banned for doping in six days

Kenyan marathoner Caren Chelagat has been handed a four-year ban after testing positive for the prohibited substance norandrosterone, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 31-year-old returned an Adverse Analytical Finding on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, following her participation in the Durban International Marathon, where she finished fifth in 2:40:40.Jakob Ingebrigtsen apologises for 'losers' outburst after fourth-place Diamond League finishChelagat maintained her innocence throughout the proceedings, insisting she had not knowingly used the banned substance. She attributed the positive test to medication administered at a medical facility shortly before the Durban race.“The only possible explanation for the Adverse Analytical Finding was treatment she had received at a medical facility a few days prior to the Durban International Marathon; and she would check her medical records relating to that treatment and provide them to ADAK (Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya),” the AIU statement indicated.##NAJAVA_MECA_9945940##However, the AIU said Chelagat failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her explanation despite being given opportunities to do so.The athlete was initially offered the opportunity to admit the anti-doping rule violation and accept the consequences in exchange for a one-year reduction to her period of ineligibility.Shame as another Kenyan athlete is handed lengthy doping banAccording to the AIU, Chelagat had until August 31, 2026, to return the completed Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form.“On 29 August 2026, the Athlete wrote to the AIU via WhatsApp, further stating that she had not used any drug, was innocent and could not therefore sign the Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form,” the AIU said.##NAJAVA_MECA_9946009##With Chelagat refusing to admit the violation, the AIU proceeded with the case and imposed a four-year period of ineligibility.The ban also carries significant consequences for her competitive record. All of Chelagat’s results dating back to May 3, 2026, have been disqualified, meaning she will forfeit any prizes, medals and appearance or participation fees earned during that period.Omanyala reveals timeline for return to training after ending season earlyChelagat’s recent record includes her fifth-place finish at the Durban International Marathon in 2:40:40. She also finished third in the 21km race at the Mwale Medical and Technology City (MMTC) Marathon in February 2025, clocking 1:23:53.Her marathon personal best of 2:40:40 was first recorded on June 26, 2022, before she matched the mark at the Durban International Marathon.##NAJAVA_MECA_9945915##Chelagat becomes the latest Kenyan athlete to face action from the AIU over an anti-doping violation. Her ban comes less than a week after Kenyan middle-distance runner Emmanuel Wafula was provisionally suspended after testing positive for testosterone.