Berlin, 31 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Former New York marathon winner Albert Korir has been suspended from competition for five years for the use of a prohibited substance, the Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU) said on X on Monday.

The 32-year-old Kenyan tested positive for the banned blood doping substance CERA in a total of three samples last October.

CERA can enhance performance by increasing the production of red blood cells, which improves oxygen-carrying capacity and endurance.

The ban starts counting from January 8 and Korir has accepted the decision, the AIU said.

Korir won the New York marathon in 2021. He was second in 2019 and 2023 and third in 2024 and 2025.

Photo: EPA