Kenyan long-distance runner Diana Chepkorir has been provisionally suspended after being flagged for a doping violation, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Wednesday.
In its statement, the AIU said Chepkorir was suspended through her Athlete Biological Passport, citing use of a prohibited substance or method.
“The AIU has provisionally suspended Diana Chepkorir (Kenya) for Use of a Prohibited Substance/Method (Article 2.2) – ABP case,” the watchdog said.
The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in place until a final decision is reached after a hearing under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules or the Integrity Code of Conduct. The AIU explained that such a suspension is a precautionary step.
“In doping cases, a provisional suspension is mandatory under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules following an adverse analytical finding for any non-specified substance on the prohibited list,” the AIU stated. The body also noted that suspensions may apply in other situations depending on the circumstances, but stressed that such action does not cancel the presumption of innocence.
“A provisional suspension imposed in a non-doping case does not in any way abrogate the presumption of innocence, and it is not an early determination of guilt. Rather, it is an order made on a precautionary basis to safeguard the interests of the sport,” AIU said.
Chepkorir, managed by Volare Sports, has run four races this year, with her last appearance at the Boulder 10km in the United States on May 26. She began her athletics journey in the steeplechase in 2016.
Her case comes amid a series of doping sanctions targeting top Kenyan athletes. On July 17, marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich was banned for using a masking agent, while former half-marathon world record holder Kibiwott Kandie was sanctioned in March after refusing to submit a sample for testing.
Within the past month alone, three other Kenyans have faced penalties: 2024 national 10,000m champion Roncer Kipkorir Konga, who was banned for three years after testing positive for testosterone; Joyciline Chepngeno, who received a two-year ban; and 2023 Barcelona Half Marathon winner Charles Kipkurui Lang’at, who was handed a five-year ban following multiple offences.
Lang’at’s case was concluded on August 27, 2025, after investigations revealed he had used both testosterone and furosemide.
He was initially suspended provisionally on September 11, 2024, after testing positive for furosemide, which resulted in a two-year ban and loss of results from August 6, 2024.
However, further testing of a July 2024 sample confirmed testosterone use, and the World Anti-Doping Agency laboratory in Lausanne dismissed any exemptions or laboratory mistakes.
Citing his use of multiple banned substances, the AIU combined the violations into a tougher penalty.
“Mr Langat has failed to establish that he did not knowingly commit the violations,” the watchdog said.
Data shows that between January 2 and July 31, 2025, the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya suspended 34 athletes, while the AIU imposed bans on 12 Kenyans.
