New York Marathon winner Albert Korir provisionally suspended over doping allegations

Kenyan marathon star Albert Korir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) amid allegations of using a banned substance.

The 31-year-old is accused of taking Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator (CERA), a third-generation EPO known for boosting red blood cell production and enhancing endurance.

The suspension, announced on Monday, January 12, means Korir is barred from competing in marathons until his case is fully resolved.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Albert Korir (Kenya) for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (CERA),” a statement from AIU read.

Korir, who won bronze at the 2025 New York City Marathon and previously claimed victory in the same race in 2021, now faces a potential period of ineligibility under World Athletics and WADA rules if found guilty.

CERA falls under WADA’s classification S2: Peptide Hormones and Related Substances, and its use is strictly prohibited.

A guilty ruling could also have significant financial consequences, potentially nullifying Korir’s results, prize money, and ranking points from the period in question. He reportedly earned Ksh.5.1 million (USD 40,000) from the bronze medal he won at the 2024 New York City Marathon. He also claimed silver at the 2019 and 2023 editions.

Korir’s suspension comes amid a series of high-profile doping cases in Kenyan athletics, including World Marathon record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich, who was banned for three years after admitting to anti-doping violations.

The case has sent ripples through Kenya’s athletics community, raising renewed questions about vigilance, testing, and athlete accountability.