Disgraced Kenyan Marathon Ace Banned For Doping Violations

Kenya's former New York marathon champion Korir has been hit with a five-year doping ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance that stimulates red blood cell production during out-of-competition tests.

The athlete, who won the prestigious New York marathon title in 2018, was found to have the banned substance in his system during surprise tests conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The positive result has now led to a lengthy suspension from the sport, dealing a major blow to the runner's career and reputation.

Doping scandals have plagued Kenyan athletics in recent years, with a number of high-profile distance runners testing positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs. The latest case involving Korir is sure to raise further questions about the integrity of the East African nation's endurance running dominance on the global stage.

In a statement, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that Korir had been handed the five-year ban after his sample was found to contain the prohibited substance, which is used to boost oxygen-carrying red blood cells and enhance aerobic capacity.

The disgraced athlete has the option to appeal the ruling, but faces an uphill battle to overturn the lengthy suspension. His New York marathon title is also likely to be stripped, dealing a further blow to his legacy in the sport.

The doping case involving Korir is the latest in a string of high-profile scandals to rock Kenyan athletics, with several of the country's top distance runners sanctioned for the use of banned substances in recent years. The issue has become a major source of concern for sports authorities and fans alike, threatening to undermine the reputation of one of the world's running powerhouses.