Kenyan marathoner Philemon Kiplimo Kimaiyo has received a 2-year ban for committing anti-doping rule violations involving the prohibited substance chlortalidone. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the sanction, which will be effective from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. In addition, all results from July 19, 2026, have been disqualified, including titles, medals, points, prize money, and appearance fees.

The prohibited substance chlortalidone was detected in an out-of-competition urine sample taken from the athlete in Mwaita, Kenya, on July 19 during a test organized by World Athletics and the AIU. In the first sample, the specific gravity was 1,002, which is below the minimum standard of 1,003 set by the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) International Standard for Testing and Investigations. Consequently, the athlete was asked to provide additional urine samples. Three more samples had a specific gravity below 1,003, and finally the fifth sample met the required standard for analysis.

An adverse analytical finding for the prohibited substance chlortalidone was detected on July 29 in a WADA-accredited laboratory in Paris. According to the WADA Prohibited List, chlortalidone is a diuretic and masking agent and is banned in all sports at all times.

The athlete was interviewed by the AIU on August 25. At that meeting, the athlete was informed of the adverse analytical finding and his rights, including the right to request further analysis. According to the AIU, Kimaiyo stated that he ingested painkillers belonging to his wife approximately a week before the test. He claimed that he did not know the medication contained chlortalidone and could not remember its name or appearance.

The AIU reported that it found no intention to commit the violation. Consequently, Kimaiyo admitted to the anti-doping rule violation and the imposition of the sanction on September 1. Kimaiyo’s 2-year ban means he cannot compete in any track and field events for the next two years.

The 27-year-old Kenyan marathoner has a best time of 2:04:01 in the marathon and has also excelled in half-marathons. Nevertheless, the new ban may cut his career short as the decision is still appealable to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.