Kenyan runner Diana Chepkorir suspended over doping violation
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said Chepkorir had been flagged through her Athlete Biological Passport.
The global anti-doping watchdog has provisionally suspended Kenyan long-distance runner Diana Chepkorir over the use of a prohibited substance/method.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said Chepkorir had been flagged through her Athlete Biological Passport.
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“The AIU has provisionally suspended Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) for Use of a Prohibited Substance/Method (Article 2.2) – ABP case,” AIU said.
According to the watchdog, the suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in force until a final decision is made following a hearing under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct. The AIU explained that a provisional suspension is imposed as a precautionary step.
“In doping cases, a provisional suspension is mandatory under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the prohibited list,” AIU said.
The body further noted that suspensions may also be applied in other doping cases depending on the circumstances, clarifying that such action does not remove the presumption of innocence.
“A provisional suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence, and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport,” AIU said.
Chepkorir, managed by Volare Sports, has competed in four races this year, the last being the Boulder 10km in the United States on May 26. She began her career in the steeplechase in 2016.
Her suspension comes against the backdrop of high-profile doping cases involving elite Kenyans, including the July 17 sanction of marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich for using a masking agent, and former half-marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie, banned in March for refusing to undergo sample collection.
In the past month alone, three others have been penalised: 2024 Kenyan 10,000m champion Roncer Kipkorir Konga, banned for three years for testosterone use; Joyciline Chepngeno, suspended for two years; and 2023 Barcelona Half Marathon winner Charles Kipkurui Lang’at, who received a five-year ban.
Lang’at’s case, concluded on August 27, 2025, followed extensive investigations. He admitted to multiple violations, including the use of testosterone and furosemide. He was initially provisionally suspended on September 11, 2024, after testing positive for furosemide, which resulted in a two-year ban and disqualification of results from August 6, 2024.
However, further testing on a sample collected in July 2024 confirmed testosterone use, with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) laboratory in Lausanne ruling out any exemption or laboratory error.
Citing his use of multiple banned substances, the AIU combined the two offences into a harsher penalty.
“Mr Langat has failed to establish that he did not knowingly commit the violations,” the watchdog said.
Official records show that between January 2 and July 31, 2025, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya suspended 34 athletes, while the AIU imposed bans on 12 Kenyans.
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