Kenyan marathon runner Albert Korir Kipkorir has been banned from athletics for five years after the Athletics Integrity Unit found him guilty of a serious doping offence.
The decision was delivered under case number AIU-25-381 and brings to an end a disciplinary process that began on January 8.
The AIU ruled that Korir violated the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules through the presence and use of a prohibited substance known as CERA.
Albert Korir Banned
CERA, or Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator, is a synthetic drug related to EPO and is banned at all times, both in and out of competition.
It increases the production of red blood cells and improves the body’s ability to carry oxygen, giving endurance athletes an unfair advantage.
Korir, a former New York City Marathon champion, was first provisionally suspended in January after an adverse analytical finding from an anti-doping test.
Following investigations, review of laboratory evidence, and written submissions, the AIU concluded that the violation was proven and that no valid excuse or reduction of sanction applied.
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The tribunal ruled that Korir violated Articles 2.1 and 2.2 of the World Athletics Anti‑Doping Rules, which concern the presence and use of a prohibited substance.
Under the strict liability principle, an athlete is responsible for any banned substance found in their body, regardless of how it entered their system.
Korir did not provide a credible explanation to account for the substance or evidence that would justify a reduction of the penalty.
Under the decision, Korir is banned from the sport for five years.
The period of ineligibility begins on the date set by the AIU tribunal (January 8), including the time already served under provisional suspension.
During the ban, Korir is prohibited from competing, training with registered athletes, or taking part in any activity organized by World Athletics or its member federations.
All competitive results achieved by Korir since the date of the doping violation have been disqualified.
This includes the loss of titles, prize money, appearance fees, and ranking points earned during that period.
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According to AIU, race organizers impacted by the decision are expected to update results and, if applicable, promote other athletes.
Korir’s Downfall
Albert Korir rose to international fame after winning the 2021 New York City Marathon, becoming one of Kenya’s most reliable performers on major marathon courses.
He finished on the podium five times at the New York City Marathon and also won high-profile races in Houston and Ottawa.
His personal best time of 2:06:57 placed him among Kenya’s top marathon runners of his generation.
Those performances came months before his provisional suspension, but now fall within the period scrutinised by the AIU, depending on the confirmed date of the violation.
The tribunal noted that CERA is classified as a non‑specified substance, which attracts heavier sanctions because of its high performance‑enhancing potential and health risks.
While the standard ban for a first serious doping offence is four years, the panel applied an extended sanction in line with the anti‑doping rules.
AIU added that Korir has the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within the prescribed time limits.
Unless changed on appeal, the five‑year ban effectively removes him from top‑level competition during what would have been the prime years of his marathon career.
The Athletics Integrity Unit said the decision reflects its commitment to protecting clean athletes and maintaining fairness in the sport.
Kenya remains under close monitoring by international anti-doping authorities due to the high number of violations involving elite runners.
