Abraham Kiptum Cut From London Marathon After Doping Violation

By Adam Kopet

Abraham Kiptum showed himself to be one of the world's top distance runners when he broke the half marathon world record last fall, running 58:18. The Athletics Integrity Unit announced Friday that he has been provisionally suspended for an Athlete Biological Passport (APB) violation.

The announcement came two days before the 29-year-old Kenyan was set to race the Virgin Money London Marathon.

London Marathon organizers released a statement stating Kiptum "will not take part in Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon and has left London."

At this point, Kiptum's world record, having already been ratified, will likely stand. Kiptum's APB violation is the third ever such violation from a Kenyan athlete.

A provisional suspension is an early step of the anti-doping legal process. Kiptum will be unable to compete until the legal process plays out. If he is unable to show his innocence, he will likely face a multi-year suspension.