Press Release - London Marathon - 4/7/17

 Statement from Nick Bitel, Chief Executive of London Marathon Events Ltd

"We are extremely disappointed to learn that Jemima Sumgong (Kenya) failed 
an out of competition drugs test in February. She is currently suspended 
from competition pending the B test and the outcome of the investigation.

"Sumgong will therefore not run in London on 23 April to defend the title 
she won last year. She is currently the leader in the Abbott World Marathon 
Majors (Abbott WMM) Series X standings which concludes in Boston on 17 
April. Under Abbott WMM rules, if she were to finish top of the rankings at 
conclusion of the Series, an athlete who fails a drug test and is banned is 
not eligible to win the Series or to receive any prize money.

"We are determined to make marathon running a safe haven from doping. In 
addition to testing operated by the IAAF and national federations, the 
Abbott WMM has set up one of the largest private testing pool of athletes 
in sport, with the aim being to test 150 competitors out of competition a 
minimum of six times a year.

"Sumgong’s provisional positive test came from one of the Abbott WMM-funded 
out of competition tests.

"London Marathon Events Ltd and AbbottWMM will continue to do everything we 
can to ensure cheats are caught and do not benefit from cheating. The 
London Marathon has always been at the forefront of the fight against 
doping. The race has a zero tolerance policy towards doping and athletes 
who are banned for a doping offence are banned for life from the event and 
any other race organised by London Marathon Events Ltd

"In addition, London Marathon Events will take legal proceedings against 
athletes who have been disqualified from its events for failed tests if 
they do not repay money that they have received from the event."

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