London Marathon Officials Continue to Pursue Russia's Liliya Shobukhova for Return of Prize and Appearance Money

By Adam Kopet, DyeStat Editor

Liliya Shobukhova was once the second-fastest marathoner in the world. However, the Russian was caught up in a doping and bribery scandal that rocked the sport at the highest levels.

She reportedly paid $550,000 in 2014 to cover up her doping positives.

Now serving a 38-month doping suspension, the 39-year-old athlete has all but retired from racing, instead hoping to become a coach. Her victories at the 2010 London Marathon and the 2009, 2010 and 2011 Chicago Marathons have been voided.

But there is still the matter of the prize and appearance money she has been ordered to return to the London Marathon. Last year, the British High Court ordered Shobukhova to repay nearly $500,000 that she earned in prize and appearance money.

According to Duncan Mackay of Inside the Games, London Marathon officials have moved the case to Russia, hoping a Russian court might find judgment in their favor and force Shobukhova to return the money.

"But, even if we get a court judgment, there is no guarantee we will get any money," London Marathon chief executive Nick Bitel admitted to Inside the Games.

This is uncharted territory, especially with Russia's recent lack of cooperation with recent anti-doping efforts. Russia has been suspended from international competition for state-sponsored doping activities.

"We are determined not to give up on this and will continue to pursue her," London Marathon race director Hugh Brasher said.