Eliud Kipchoge: Lack of guidelines fueled doping

Olympic and London marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has led a slew of top athletes in reiterating their support the move to use the Kenya Doctors Network in fighting the doping scourge following a seminar held in Eldoret on Monday.

According to Kipchoge who is eying to run the marathon in under two hours this season, the regulations will make athletes informed in any decision they take concerning their career related to the vice that has cast aspersions on Kenyan runners due to an increase in doping cases.

“I’m very happy for the move and this will help us in fighting doping. For many years there have been no guidelines for athletes and that is the reason some have been caught using banned substances knowingly and unknowingly,” Kipchoge said.

“To avoid doping cases, athletes should train hard to make sure that we compete clean and win what belongs to us. Let us avoid any temptations for we are known as a powerhouse in athletics,” the two-time London winner added.

Edna Kiplagat, a two-time world women marathon champion said the guidelines will make athletes committed and adhere to the rules.

She said many are victims of buying over the counter drugs to treat ailments but through the Network they will be able to seek advice before taking medication.

“The whole world is watching Kenyan athletes on such doping issues, it is a great move. We have signed the medical regulations and they are good for Kenya,” Kiplagat who has won the London and New York marathons added.

The Osaka 2007 world champion in the men 800m Alfred Kirwa said though the move is good for them, the six doctors are few compared to large number of athletes active in the country as he urged AK to increase the number.

AK president Lt. Gen (Rtd) Jack Tuwei said the initiative is a pilot project and many officers would be added soon.