The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has suspended Kenyan Albert Korir for doping.
The 2:06:57 marathon runner who won the 2025 Ottawa Marathon (2:08:22) tested positive for CERA, a red blood cell booster and a prohibited substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency list.
Korir is a five-time top-three finisher at the New York Marathon.
Canadian Rory Linkletter finished second to Korir in 2:08:31. His personal best is 2:06:49 from Chicago this year.
Korir’s suspension is provisional and appealable. Once the suspension is a ban, it is expected that the Ottawa Marathon will award Linletter the win.
Kenya continues to have a major doping problem. Currently, there are well over 100 athletes suspended for doping-related offences from the small East African nation. Nearly 500 have been suspended since 2016. Doping at these levels would be cause for federal government intervention in most countries.
Run Ottawa’s official statement on the result
Run Ottawa, the organizers of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and athlete health in our events.
As part of our procedures for the 2025 Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, athletes competing in the event, including 1st place finisher Albert Korir, were subject to anti-doping controls conducted in accordance with international standards.
On June 18, 2025, Run Ottawa received the following communication from the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) regarding the samples collected at the event:
“On behalf of the Athletics Integrity Unit, we are pleased to communicate that the analysis of the samples collected at the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon [25/05/2025] and analyzed at the (Montreal) INRS Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie WADA-accredited laboratory did not reveal the presence/use of substances/methods prohibited under the current WADA Prohibited List.”
These tests were performed by Sport Integrity Canada (formerly named CCES).
Run Ottawa works closely with governing bodies and testing authorities to ensure that all competitions are conducted in a manner that is transparent, credible, and consistent with global anti-doping regulations. We remain focused on delivering a world-class event that reflects the values of the sport and the trust of our athletes, partners, and community.
