The 2023 Chicago Marathon turned into a celebration for the marathon powerhouse nation Kenya as Kelvin Kiptum won the first position. The Kenyans bagged another great marathon victory, which strengthened their position for a gold medal in Paris. However, sad news dampened the celebration when a revered Kenyan marathon runner was charged with doping.

Titus Ekiru held global popularity for his staunch and consistent marathon performances. The 31-year-old had impressed the world with several wins in his bag. However, a deeper look by authorities exposed Ekiru’s use of performance-enhancing drugs. The infraction has now resulted in a decade-long ban slapped on him for this.

The truth behind the sixth-fastest marathon runner of all time

Titus Ekiru holds the claim of being the sixth-fastest marathon runner of all time. But, the title only adds to his disgrace as the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) caught him for doping. The Kenyan enjoyed several victories in his career, especially in the year 2021, following which didn?t compete at all. The 31-year-old tested positive for three banned substances across two different races but lied about them, according to an article by Citiusmag. A high-level investigation has now revealed that Ekiru?s doctor was an accomplice to his crime.

?The doctor exploited his high-level position at a Kenyan hospital to aid Ekiru with doping and then allowed him to get away with it. The 31-year-old was slapped with a couple of four-year bans for two cases of tampering with samples. Along with this, an additional two years were added to his punishment for aggravating the circumstances. Thus, the sixth-fastest man will make a very slow return to marathons. In fact, the ban disqualified all his achievements from 16 May 2021.

The web of lies created by Ekiru and his doctor

The AIU found several inconsistencies in the story told by Ekiru and his doctor when he tested positive for banned substances. He was caught after his wins at both the Milan Marathon and the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2021. When asked about it, Ekiru said that the chemicals found in his system were prescribed to him for injuries. However, the AIU discovered that there was no record of the hospital visits when Ekiru would?ve been prescribed his medication. Digging further into the matter, the AIU found its way to the athlete?s doctor who worked at a hospital in Kenya?s Nandi County.?

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According to the investigation, Ekiru was caught with three undocumented hospital visits, where he received performance-enhancing drug injections. When questioned about it, the doctor said that the visits weren?t recorded since Ekiru showed up before the registration office opened. Authorities levied a ban on the 31-year-old from 28 June 2022 to 27 June 2032. While the news has devastated and infuriated Kenya and the world, the Kenyans would like to look towards their true champion, Kelvin Kiptum, to redeem his country in Paris.

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