Albert Korir has been issued a five-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit after admitting to the use of CERA, a prohibited substance that can boost red blood cell production.
The AIU announced the suspension on Monday and confirmed that Korir, 31, tested positive for CERA in three separate out-of-competition samples in October 2025 and then finished third in the 2025 New York City Marathon in 2:08:57 last November as part of a Kenyan podium sweep.
The positive tests, two blood and one urine sample, were collected within weeks of each other by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya and “Adverse Analytical Findings” were discovered once they where analyzed by a laboratory in Stockholm, Sweden according to the report:
· On 3 October 2025, the Athlete provided a urine Sample Out-of-Competition, in Kapkitony, Kenya, which was given code 8390725 (the “First Sample”) pursuant to Testing conducted under the Testing Authority of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (“ADAK”).
· On 13 October 2025, the Athlete provided a blood Sample Out-of-Competition, in Kipkabus, Kenya, which was given code 8331463 (the “Second Sample”) under the Testing Authority of ADAK.
· On 21 October 2025, the Athlete provided a urine Sample Out-of-Competition, in Kapkitony, Kenya, which was given code 8411620 (the “Third Sample”) under the Testing Authority of ADAK.
Korir, who will have his results from October 3, 2025 and beyond disqualified, was given a provisional suspension in January and later admitted to the charges. He has three podium finishes in the NYC Marathon, winning the race in 2021 in 2:08:22.
Meanwhile, Patrick Dever, who finished fourth in 2:08:58 at last year’s NYC Marathon, will likely upgraded to third place following Korir’s suspension.
Because Korir cooperated with AIU investigators and admitted the violation — his first sanction — his ban was reduced from what would have been a six-year penalty.
CERA (Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator) is typically used to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney disease but can trigger red blood cell production and increase oxygen delivery to muscles. It is a third-generation erythropoiesis-stimulating agent.
Any form of blood doping is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances.
