Sports · Running & Athletics · 2 hrs ago
Doping concerns overshadow New York City Marathon press event
Doping concerns surfaced at a New York City Marathon press event ahead of Sunday’s race.
A source said more cases involving Ethiopian runners were expected, including two high-profile athletes, but those cases had not been announced.
Separately, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced bans for three Ethiopian runners: two for four months and one for eight years.
The news comes after Kenyan runner Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning world and Olympic champion, tested positive for EPO.
Athletes said repeated doping cases are frustrating and can harm competitors who lose the chance to receive medals or stand on the podium.
Uruguay’s Julia Paternain said she would support invalidating all past results for athletes caught doping.
More case announcements may follow, while the elite runners prepare for Sunday’s marathon.
Elite runners discussed their preparations and expectations at a New York City Marathon media event ahead of Sunday’s race.
Andreas Almgren was among the athletes interviewed by LetsRun, which highlighted his confidence ahead of his marathon debut.
Hellen Obiri, the defending women’s champion, is seeking another New York City victory.
Weini Kelati is also set to make her marathon debut.
Runners also discussed doping cases and their effects on the sport.
- Who
- Elite runners including Andreas Almgren, Hellen Obiri and Weini Kelati.
- What
- They discussed their preparations and expectations ahead of the New York City Marathon; Almgren is making his marathon debut.
- When
- The media event took place on October 29, 2026, ahead of Sunday’s race.
- Where
- New York City.
- Why
- The athletes met the press to discuss the upcoming marathon.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Elite runners spoke to the press at the New York City Marathon media center.
The New York City Marathon is scheduled to take place.
- Race
- New York City Marathon
- Media event
- New York City, October 29, 2026
- Andreas Almgren
- Set to make his marathon debut
- Hellen Obiri
- Two-time New York City champion and defending champion
- Weini Kelati
- American half marathon record holder, with a record of 1:06:04 in 2026
4 sources
Peres Jepchirchir doping case sparks outrage among Kenyan runners ahead of New York Marathon
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What people are saying
Everybody is watching you. You’re a champion … for so many people. They want to see you winning.
It was sad news for Kenyan people and that was shocking news for me; I won’t judge her right now, I will leave that to AIU to decide,
I’m more excited and confident than being, like, oh, this is a new thing.
Once you do it once, I feel like all your results should just kind of be invalidated.