By Victor Kanayo
Kenyan marathon athlete Titus Ekiru, has been hit with a 10-year ban over what Athletics authorities described as doping and tampering.
According to investigations by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), a test conducted at the Milan Marathon in 2021 proved positive.
The test was done after he won in a time of two hours, two minutes and 57 seconds at a marathon that year, which ranked him the seventh-fastest marathon athlete of all time.
The authorities also said Ekiru tested positive after winning the Abu Dhabi Marathon on November 26.
Already, his results on and since May 16, 2021 have been erased and he has been ordered to forfeit all race prizes and money.
More AIU’s investigation also found the 31-year-old obstructed the probe by two adverse analytical findings (AAFs) by using false information and documentation, with his ban beginning from the date of his provisional suspension on June 28, 2022.
It will end on June 27, 2032, going by the pronouncement on the ban.
Ekiru won at least 10 marathons or half-marathons between 2017 and 2021.
