Albert Korir, winner of the New York City Marathon 2021, has been suspended for five years after testing positive in an anti-doping control, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced.
The 32-year-old athlete tested positive for a synthetic derivative of Erythropoietin (EPO), a substance that boosts red blood cell production and enhances endurance performance.
Korir admitted the anti-doping rule violations in January after being notified of a provisional suspension and initially accepted a six-year ban. However, the sanction was reduced by one year due to his admission and cooperation.
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According to the AIU, the suspension will run from January 8, 2026, to January 7, 2031.
Korir, who also won the Ottawa Marathon in 2019 and 2025, adds to a series of doping cases that have affected Kenyan athletics.
Despite this, the World Anti-Doping Agency stated in October last year that Kenya had made “significant progress” in the fight against doping, ruling out the imposition of broader sanctions on the country.
