Cheating in Athletics: The Case of Ekiru

In a recent report by Athletics Weekly, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has brought to light a depressing revelation involving long-distance runner Titus Ekiru. The AIU’s investigation unearthed collusion between Ekiru and a senior doctor in Nandi County, Kenya. In a nutshell, triamcinolone acetonide injections were given during two undocumented hospital visits, one on April 29, 2021, and the other on May 6, 2021. As a consequence of these findings, the AIU has called upon the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya to refer the senior doctor to Kenyan criminal authorities for further inquiry.

Fun Fact: despite being a smaller country, Kenya has a larger list of ineligible athletes than the USA.

Fun Fact: As Inside Games reports Kenya now has 67 runners banned for doping.

Additionally, on November 19, 2021, Ekiru received another undisclosed hospital treatment, which included a pethidine injection and meperidine (pethidine) tablets, ostensibly for acute pain. The AIU’s assessment of medical records suggests the forgery of documents to account for Ekiru’s two positive tests.

Ekiru initially considered disputing the charges but ultimately chose not to pursue his case.

With Ekiru’s victories now annulled, the performances of Evans Chebet (Kenya) and Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) in the Valencia Marathon in 2020 and 2022, both timed at 2:03:00, now class as the 7th fastest marathon times ever. At least for now…

Kenya has 9 of the Top 13 fastest marathon times ever even with the exclusion of Ekiru, demonstrating the strength in depth of marathon runners in that country.