Boston Marathon women's champ Rita Jeptoo failed drug test
Three-time Boston Marathon champion Rita Jeptoo has reportedly failed a drug test, and the World Marathon Majors has postponed its awards ceremony on Sunday as a result.
Jeptoo, of Kenya, was to be crowned the World Marathon Majors women's champion because her victories at Boston and Chicago in 2014 clinched the series title and its $500,000 prize regardless of the outcome of Sunday's New York City Marathon.
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According to RunBlogRun's Larry Eder, who first reported the news, an A sample from Jeptoo in September tested positive for a banned substance. Her B sample collected at the time of testing in Kenya will now be tested.
World Marathon Majors issued a full statement Friday. It concludes with the decision to delay Sunday's ceremony.
'At present there has been no decision in this case by the IAAF, including in relation to sanctions, and as a result WMM is unable to comment further until that determination has been made although in the circumstances it has been decided to postpone the WMM Awards Ceremony that was due to take place on the 2nd November 2014,' the statement read.
The Boston Athletic Association, which organizes the Boston Marathon, was aware of the report and also issued a statement. It reads as follows:
'We will await the issuance of an official statement from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) before further addressing the matter.
'Top finishers at the Boston Marathon are tested in accordance with the strict guidelines set forth by the IAAF, and the B.A.A. cooperates with all testing procedures and is supportive of the protocol. It is premature for us to provide additional comment at this point.
'Boston has been and continues to be an advocate for strict anti-doping measures along with the other events which comprise the World Marathon Majors.'
Jeptoo won the Boston Marathon in 2006, 2013, and 2014. She set a course record in April with her time of 2:18:57.
'WMM has always held a stern line on drugs cheats and has been proactively supporting the sports governing bodies to ensure the integrity of the athletes competing in their races. Cheats need to understand that they are not welcome in our sport and that they will be caught,' said Nick Bitel, the World Marathon Majors general counsel.
Follow Matt Pepin on Twitter at @mattpep15.
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