A five-year ban, preparations for a world mile record attempt, and a controversial finish at the Berlin Half Marathon. Here is what has been happening in the world of running over the last few days.
Albert Korir Handed Five-Year Ban for CERA
The 2021 New York City Marathon champion, Albert Korir, has been issued a five-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for CERA. Three tests conducted in October 2025 revealed the presence of the erythropoietin-stimulating agent, leading to the disqualification of all his results starting from October 3, 2025. Consequently, the Kenyan lost his third-place finish from the 2025 New York City Marathon. Given that Korir is 32 years old, this suspension—set to last until January 2031—is widely considered the end of his professional career.
→ Read more: Albert Korir Handed 5-Year Doping Ban
Josh Kerr Targets 27-Year-Old Mile World Record
World champion Josh Kerr has officially announced “Project 222,” setting his sights on the historic one-mile world record held by Hicham El Guerrouj since 1999. The Brit aims to clock a time of 3:42.00 at the London Diamond League meeting on July 18, 2026. The ambitious project is supported by a team of 16 specialists, and his training features personalized Brooks spikes specifically engineered for his biomechanics at a blistering pace of 55 seconds per lap.
→ Read more: Josh Kerr has officially announced “Project 222”
Finish Line Controversy and Records in Berlin
At the 45th Berlin Half Marathon, pacemaker Dennis Kipkemoi handed the victory to Andrew Kiptoo (59:11) just moments before the finish line. Despite the unconventional finish, the race maintained an elite standard. Amanal Petros set a new German record (59:22) to finish third, while Etienne Daguinos broke the French record with a time of 59:27. In the women’s field, a staggering 17 runners broke the 70-minute barrier, leading to new national records for Belgium and Spain.
→ Read more: German Record and Finish Line Scandal
Course Record and High Turnout at the Prague Half Marathon
Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera successfully defended his title at the Generali Prague Half Marathon, setting both a course record and a national record with a time of 58:16. This performance stands as the fifth-fastest time in the world for 2026. In the Czech capital, 16 elite runners set new personal bests, and the entire men’s podium finished under 59 minutes. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Caroline Makandi Gitonga dominated the field, clocking 1:06:16 to significantly shatter her previous personal best.
→ Read more: Kwizera Breaks Prague Half Marathon Course Record
AIU Suspends French Heptathlete
The Athletics Integrity Unit has announced the provisional suspension of French multi-eventer Auriana Lazraq-Khlass, the 2024 European silver medalist. The sanction stems from “whereabouts” violations, involving three missed tests or filing failures within a 12-month period. She faces a potential two-year ban, highlighting the rigorous monitoring professional athletes face from global anti-doping organizations.
→ Read more: French Heptathlete Suspended by AIU
