ELITE MARATHONER TITUS EKIRU FACING A POTENTIAL 10-YEAR BAN
July 12, 2023AIU's investigation, aided by Kenyan authorities, brings four ADRV charges against Titus Ekiru, including prohibited substances detection and tampering.
An extensive investigation by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), with important assistance from Kenyan authorities, has led to four charges for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) against Titus Ekiru – two separate charges relating to the detection of Prohibited Substances in his samples and two separate Tampering charges regarding the results-management process in each case.
The 31-year-old’s charges stem from AIU investigations into Ekiru’s positive in-competition doping tests after marathon victories in the Generali Milano Marathon on 16 May 2021 and the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon on 26 November 2021.
Ekiru tested positive for Triamcinolone Acetonide after winning in Milan but was not immediately charged after the initial investigation appeared to validate his explanation that the result was due to legitimate medical treatment.
Tested also positive in Abu Dhabi
The athlete tested positive for Pethidine after winning in Abu Dhabi, and again claimed the outcome resulted from legitimate medical treatment. The AIU was notified of the positive test for Pethidine on 1 February 2022. Following initial investigations into that matter – and given the emergence of a pattern of Triamcinolone Acetonide use among Kenyan athletes – the AIU reopened the investigation into Ekiru’s first case. The athlete was provisionally suspended in June 2022, pending the outcome of both wide-ranging investigations which included crucial collaboration with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) and other Kenyan authorities. This led to the AIU rejecting Ekiru’s explanations, charging him with the Pethidine ADRV in March 2023 and with the Triamcinolone Acetonide ADRV in April 2023.
Facing ten-year ban
Additionally, the AIU now asserts Ekiru has cases to answer for tampering with the results-management processes by submitting falsified medical explanations and documentation to the AIU for both positive tests. This means the elite marathoner – who has the right to defend himself before the Disciplinary Tribunal – is facing a potential ten-year ban.
The AIU will make no further comment on this matter until its conclusion.
Ekiru made his mark in 2017 with a Seville Marathon win in 2:07:42. In 2018, he triumphed in the Honolulu Marathon (2:09:01) and Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon (1:01:02), setting records. In 2019, he conquered the Milano City Marathon with a new record of 2:04:46 and set a course record in the Portugal Half Marathon (1:00:12). Later that year, he won the Honolulu Marathon again, setting a new course record of 2:07:59, writes Mozzart Sport
Titus Ekiru profile
Press releases
- ELITE MARATHONER TITUS EKIRU FACING A POTENTIAL TEN-YEAR BAN FOR FOUR ANTI-DOPING CHARGES (PDF-file)
News reports
- Associated Press: Marathon runner Titus Ekiru, 6th fastest of all-time, charged and faces 10-year ban in doping case
- Reuters: Kenya's Ekiru facing 10-year ban, says AIU
- Titus Ekiru Suspended by Athletics Integrity Unit for Alleged Use of Prohibited Substances
- Multiple marathon winner Titus Ekiru faces 10 year ban after provisional doping suspension