Doping claims lead to prize-payout change

In the wake of reports of athletes drug-doping, the Abbott World Marathon Majors, which includes the Boston Marathon, announced restrictions yesterday on the prize money awarded to the winner of the AWMM series.

Under the new guidelines, the $500,000 money awarded the series winner will now be distributed over a five-year period, rather than a lump sum to ensure effective long-term biological mapping of athletes.

The move was sparked by recent reports in the Sunday Times of London and by German broadcaster ARD that claimed the London Marathon was won seven times in 12 years by athletes who recorded suspicious blood scores.

The AWMM, in a statement by general manager Tim Hadzima, took exception to those allegations and reiterated its commitment to keep the sport clean.

“We have taken all the actions we can and will continue to look at additional ways we as leaders can identify partners to help us eliminate cheating from our sport,” Hadzima said.

Said Boston Marathon executive director Tom Grilk: “We’re concerned whenever anything comes up in the sport that can cast a cloud on the sport and on the clean athletes. We want the sport to be respected and we want the clean athletes to be respected. ... We will look at everything and anything to protect the sport. Nothing will be ruled out.”

Three-time Boston Marathon champion and course record-holder Rita Jeptoo of Kenya is currently appealing to the Court of Arbitration her suspension for a positive test for traces of the blood booster EPO during an out-of-competition test.