Chicago, Boston marathon winner Jeptoo banned for 4 years
GENEVA: Former Chicago and Boston Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo had her doping ban doubled to four years on Wednesday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
In its ruling, the CAS judging panel extended Jeptoo’s ban until October 2018 and stripped her of her 2014 win in Boston, plus results, prize and appearance money dating back to April 17, 2014. The Kenyan runner previously lost her 2014 Chicago victory.
Jeptoo had been due to earn a $500,000 bonus for leading the World Marathon Majors series standings for the combined 2013 and 2014 seasons. She won back-toback Boston and Chicago titles in 2013.
Now 35, Jeptoo tested positive for EPO in a September 2014 sample given during training for the Chicago race.
Last week, Jeptoo spoke of her intention to return to competition once her initial two-year ban expired. But on Wednesday her partner said they were expecting that the punishment might be extended after the IAAF appealed what it felt was a lenient ban imposed by the Kenyan track federation.
“They had said they would add two years and she was aware of that,” said Noah Busienei, Jeptoo’s partner. “There is no other avenue available to appeal the decision and we shall decide the way forward.”
CAS said it upheld the IAAF’s appeal to increase Jeptoo’s original two-year ban, which was to expire this week. Athletes can be banned for four years over a first offense if there are aggravating circumstances.
“(It) was obvious to the panel that the athlete used EPO as part of a scheme or plan,” the panel ruled, citing evidence including her long relationship with the unidentified doctor and “multiple visits to see him” which she hid from her manager and coach.