Kenyan runner Geoffrey Yegon, who was the first to cross the finish line at the 2024 Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM), has been disqualified after failing a doping test.
Yegon tested positive for a banned substance following a post-race test on 1 December 2024, according to a spokesperson for the event on 16 May 2025.
View this post on Instagram
As a result, Yegon has been banned from competition for two years by World Athletics. He has also been removed from the official race results.
SCSM confirmed that in accordance with its protocol, the US$45,000 winner’s prize was not released until anti-doping procedures were completed.
“The SCSM team was informed of the situation by World Athletics and Yegon was removed from event results, with all athletes moving up one position,” the spokesperson told CNA.
Yegon had completed the marathon in 2:16:06, narrowly ahead of Uganda’s Abel Sikowo, who clocked in at 2:16:12.
The SCSM website now lists Sikowo as the winner, although a formal public announcement regarding the updated results has not been made.
Athletics Illustrated reported on 7 March 2025 that Yegon’s urine sample tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic steroid.
The report also stated that Yegon admitted to taking the substance. Consequently, he received a two-year ban instead of the typical four-year suspension.
The race organiser reiterated its support for clean sport, stating: “The team was disappointed to learn of this situation and are strong supporters of World Athletics’ stance on doping.”
SCSM is sanctioned by Singapore Athletics and relies on technical officials to oversee race procedures.
Anti-Doping Singapore was also engaged to carry out testing in coordination with World Athletics and the Athletics Integrity Unit.
The 2024 edition of the SCSM was held from 29 November to 1 December and attracted 55,000 participants.
Soh Rui Yong won the national marathon title in 2:46:05, while Shaun Goh claimed the half-marathon title with a time of 1:12:31.
The post Kenyan marathoner stripped of SCSM 2024 title and US$45,000 prize after doping ban appeared first on The Online Citizen.
