Kenyan Runner Albert Korir Banned 5 Years for CERA Use

Kenyan distance runner Albert Korir, the 2021 New York City Marathon champion, was banned for five years on March 30, 2026, by the Athletics Integrity Unit after admitting to using the prohibited substance continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, or CERA.

The 32-year-old athlete tested positive for CERA, a blood-boosting agent that stimulates red blood cell production to enhance endurance, in three out-of-competition samples collected in Kenya last October. The tests occurred on October 3, October 13, and October 21, 2025, during Korir's training period ahead of the New York City Marathon on November 2, where he finished third. Officials confirmed no errors in the testing process and noted that Korir had not received a therapeutic use exemption for the substance.

Korir was provisionally suspended on January 8, 2026, and admitted the anti-doping rule violations on January 12, accepting the consequences without requesting a hearing. The Athletics Integrity Unit stated that the multiple positive tests constituted aggravating circumstances, initially warranting a six-year ban. However, his early admission and cooperation reduced the sanction by one year, making it effective...