The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has found two Kenyan athletes guilty of violating anti-doping regulations. The agency revealed that Careen Cheptoek, a 31-year-old marathon runner, tested positive for the prohibited substance Methylprednisolone. Meanwhile, Brimin Misoi Kipkorir was found guilty of using prohibited substances, including EPO and Furosemide.
As a result, Caren Cheptoek has been handed a two-year ban starting February 2025, while Brimin Misoi Kipkorir has been provisionally suspended.
Careen Cheptoek’s Case
According to the AIU, Cheptoek provided a urine sample during the Taipei City Marathon in Taiwan on December 15, 2024. The sample, coded 1414010, was analyzed at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-accredited laboratory in Tokyo, Japan.
On January 27, 2025, the laboratory reported an adverse analytical finding due to the presence of Methylprednisolone.
AIU Investigation and Athlete’s Response
Following a review, the AIU informed Cheptoek of the adverse finding on February 13, 2025, and advised her of her right to appeal. The next day, Cheptoek responded, stating that she had taken medication that might have caused the positive result. However, the AIU found that the medication she mentioned did not contain Methylprednisolone.
Eventually, Cheptoek admitted the charge, speculating that the banned substance may have been present in a supplement she consumed during her long training runs.
“On February 17, 2025, the athlete wrote to the AIU, stating that she had tried to recall what she might have taken that led to the adverse finding. She mentioned that her training group often shared supplement drinks, especially during long runs. She ultimately accepted the charges and agreed to sign the necessary documents and await the decision,” the AIU reported.
About Methylprednisolone
Methylprednisolone is classified as a prohibited substance under the WADA 2024 Prohibited List in the S9 Glucocorticoids category. It is banned in competition when administered via injectable, oral, or rectal routes.
