Kenyan marathon champion Albert Korir has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for using the banned substance CERA. The 31-year-old, known for winning the 2021 New York City Marathon, recently earned a bronze medal there. This suspension bars him from competing until his case is resolved.
Albert Korir, a prominent Kenyan long-distance runner, was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on January 12, 2026. The AIU confirmed that the 31-year-old is suspected of using the prohibited substance Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator (CERA), a third-generation form of EPO (erythropoietin). This drug stimulates bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity and endurance performance.
"The AIU has provisionally suspended Albert Korir (Kenya) for Presence/Use of a Prohibited Substance (CERA)," the AIU stated.
Under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules, CERA falls under S2: Peptide Hormones, Growth Factors, Related Substances and Mimetics, making it illegal. Korir, winner of the 2021 New York City Marathon and third-place finisher in 2024 where he earned Ksh5.1 million (USD 40,000), is now barred from competitions until his case is heard and a final ruling issued.
If found guilty, Korir faces automatic ineligibility under World Athletics and WADA regulations. A guilty verdict could disqualify results from the violation date onward, stripping medals, rankings, points, and appearance fees. This would deliver a severe financial blow, especially after his recent prize money win.
Recently, another major Kenyan athlete, world marathon record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich, received a three-year ban after admitting to anti-doping violations. Korir's suspension marks yet another setback for Kenya's athletics community.