Running: Top marathons want tougher sanctions

Monday, August 28, 2006 - 06:52 PM

LONDON (AP) — The world's top five marathons want international and national federations to do more to stop athletes from using performance-enhancing substances.

The race directors for the Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York marathons — collectively known as the World Marathon Majors — aren't waiting to take action. The group said Tuesday it will impose lifetime bans at its races for any runner caught using a banned substance, including minor offenders for drugs such as marijuana.

"We believe as bad as it is in some parts of our sport, there is a great opportunity here to send a new message and to turn that tide," London race director Dave Bedford said. "We will hold a no tolerance view to those involved with doping offenses."

The sport of running has been hit recently with two major doping scandals. Co-world record holder Justin Gatlin tested positive April 22 for testosterone and other steroids. Last week, it was revealed that five-time Olympic medalist Marion Jones' "A" sample from June 23 tested positive for EPO. The result of the backup "B" sample is still pending. Both athletes deny using performance-enhancing drugs.

The five race directors also said they supported the International Association of Athletics Federation's call to double first-time bans for major offenses from two to four years.

"The two-year ban itself suggests that the sport of athletics doesn't actually care too much," Bedford said.

The WMM said 12 doping tests will be conducted at each race, including the top three finishers and at least three others placed between fourth and 15th.

The IAAF has said three world records were turned down this year because labs failed to test runners for the synthetic hormone erythropoietin — a rule that has been in place since 2004 — but Bedford said that wouldn't be a problem in London.

"The experts here believe that we have certainly the EPO line covered," Bedford said. "If someone has taken part in our event and is using EPO, they will be caught."




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