The 2024 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon champion has been stripped of his title and handed a six-year ban after testing positive for a prohibited substance. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that Ronald Kimeli Kurgat tested positive for Triamcinolone acetonide, a banned glucocorticoid commonly misused for performance enhancement. As a result, his victory at the 2024 Nairobi Marathon has been nullified, and all his results during that period have been disqualified.
Kurgat’s performance at the 2024 Hainan Danzhou Marathon, where he placed third, has also been invalidated due to the doping violation. The ban is a significant blow to the athlete, who has not competed so far this season and will now remain out of action for six years, effectively ruling him out of elite competition for the foreseeable future.
The AIU disclosed that Kurgat’s sample was collected on October 27, 2024, the same day he competed and won the Nairobi Marathon. A detailed review of the sample revealed the presence of Triamcinolone acetonide. The investigation also found that Kurgat did not possess a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE), which is required for athletes using certain substances for medical reasons. Without a TUE, the presence of this substance constitutes a doping violation under anti-doping regulations.
According to anti-doping protocols, the AIU issued a formal notification of the first adverse analytical finding on December 4, 2024. This notification indicated that Kurgat’s test results could result in Anti-Doping Rule Violations under Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of the Anti-Doping Rules. These rules pertain to the presence of a prohibited substance in an athlete’s sample and the use of such substances, respectively.
Triamcinolone acetonide, while medically used for its anti-inflammatory properties, is banned in-competition when administered through certain routes due to its potential to enhance endurance and reduce fatigue. The AIU has consistently emphasized its zero-tolerance approach to doping, aiming to preserve the integrity of athletics by holding athletes accountable for violations.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in the fight against doping in long-distance running, where the use of banned substances can significantly alter performance outcomes. With Kurgat’s suspension, the 2024 Nairobi Marathon title is now vacant, awaiting official confirmation of the new champion. The ruling serves as a stark reminder to athletes of the importance of adhering strictly to anti-doping rules and maintaining clean sport.
