ADAK backs new anti-doping measures

The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) has lauded the move by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and the World Marathon Majors (WMM) to launch a new anti-doping investigation and intelligence-driven testing program in a bid to combat doping menace.

On Tuesday, AIU alongside AbbottWMM- that organizes the six major marathons; Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City Marathons- announced the new initiative based on intelligence and testing in order to uphold the integrity of marathon running.

In accordance with the AIU’s recommendation, the program continues to involve a testing pool of 150 elite runners, with a shift to an emphasis on intelligence led testing.

In 2018, the AIU conducted extensive analysis of the risks to the integrity of athletics and road running and consequently devised the program which puts a higher focus on the best elite athletes, utilizing intelligence to ensure that the right athletes are tested at the right time.

Tim Hadzima, Executive Director of AbbottWMM, said: “The Abbott World Marathon Majors is proud of its zero-tolerance policy on doping and its proactive work investing in and supporting anti-doping programs. We are constantly reviewing the program with the AIU and the future clearly requires a strong focus on intelligence and investigative capability. We are working with the experts in the AIU to set the pace for road racing.”

David Howman, Chairman of the AIU, said: “The AbbottWMM races have shown they are not interested in a ‘tick the box’ approach to anti-doping or playing the numbers game of more and more tests. They are deeply invested in catching cheaters, identifying the risk to their races, understanding the root causes of doping and doing something about it.”

“By supporting the enhanced programme, the AbbottWMM has underlined their commitment for clean sport and set an example for the industry. This program is world-leading and will ensure the Abbott WMM races are among the very best regulated sporting events in the world when it comes to anti-doping,” added Howman.

Following the new developments, ADAK has voiced it support to the new system that seeks to promote clean sport in the

“Good news for athletes participating in distance running where Kenya is a major powerhouse. This move will go a long way in supporting ADAK’s promotion of clean sport and the fight against doping,” read a statement in their twitter handle.

The new initiative comes at a time when Kenya is still fighting the menace that has seen top athletes banned for testing positive to banned substances.

Kenyan marathoner Jemimah Sumgong is serving an eight -year ban imposed on her earlier this year after testing positive to EPO.