Details of the Disqualification
Albert Korir, the Kenyan athlete who famously secured victory at the 2021 New York Marathon, has been issued a five-year suspension from professional competition. According to reports from track and field investigators released on Monday, the athlete admitted to doping violations.
The investigation revealed that Korir tested positive for CERA—a sophisticated, modern iteration of the blood-booster EPO—on three separate occasions. These samples were collected last October while the 32-year-old was undergoing training preparations for his subsequent appearance in New York.
Impact on Race Results
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that as a result of these findings, any performances recorded by Korir from October onwards are now void. This decision officially strips him of his third-place standing achieved during the New York Marathon last November.
“The three positive tests constitutes clear evidence of the athlete’s use of ‘a prohibited substance on multiple occasions’ which is expressly identified in the definition of aggravating circumstances,” the official verdict stated.
The Terms of the Suspension
Under the current ruling, Korir is prohibited from competing until January 2031. However, the initial length of the ban was reduced by twelve months after the runner opted to admit to the violations immediately, thereby waiving his right to a formal hearing.
Notably, the sanctions do not affect his historical record from his 2021 triumph, meaning he retains his New York Marathon title from that year. Along with his 2021 win, Korir has historically performed well in the event, having placed second in both 2019 and 2023, as well as finishing third in 2024 prior to the disqualification of his most recent result.