Titus Ekiru, a Kenyan marathon runner, was banned for ten years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Monday for doping and tampering in a case involving conspiracy with a high-ranking doctor in a Kenyan hospital.
One of his positive tests for triamcinolone acetonide occurred at the Milan Marathon in May 2021, which he won in a time of two hours, two minutes, and 57 seconds, making him the seventh-fastest marathon athlete of all time.
The ban was imposed after an investigation determined that the 31-year-old impeded the AIU’s investigation into two adverse analytical findings (AAFs) by providing misleading information and paperwork.
His ban will last from June 28, 2022, through June 27, 2032, the date of his interim suspension. His results from May 16th, 2021 have been wiped out, and he must lose any race awards and money.
Ekiru also tested positive for pethidine and its marker norpethidine after winning the Abu Dhabi Marathon on November 26th.
An investigation revealed that Ekiru obtained injections of prohibited chemicals during unauthorized hospital visits, and the AIU discovered that the medical documents used to explain his AAFs were fabricated and contradictory with hospital and pharmacy data.
“For athletes involved in doping and the entourage who assist them, there is one strong message from this case – there is nowhere to hide,” said AIU chair David Howman.
Ekiru won at least 10 marathons or half-marathons between 2017 and 2021.
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