Breaking: Trail Running Star Joyline Chepngeno Faces Two-Year Ban Following Doping Violation
Major Doping Scandal Rocks Trail Running Community
Kenyan trail running champion Joyline Chepngeno has been banned from competition for two years after testing positive for triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation. The 27-year-old’s positive test came following her victory at the Sierre-Zinal World Mountain Running Association (WMRA) World Cup race in Switzerland.
Immediate Impact and Consequences
The two-year ban, effective from September 8, 2025, nullifies all of her results from August 9 forward. This includes both her 2025 Sierre-Zinal win and her 2025 OCC win. The competitions were part of both the World Mountain Running Association World Cup and the Golden Trail World Series, with OCC serving as the UTMB World Series Final for the 50k distance.
According to official statements, Chepngeno admitted to receiving an unspecified injection to treat knee pain in July 2025, claiming she was unaware it was prohibited. She submitted an Admission of Anti-Doping Rule Violations and Acceptance of Consequences Form.
Revised Race Results and Industry Response
In response to the violation, Chepngeno’s sponsor Salomon terminated their partnership, stating that “this behavior contradicts the values at the core of Salomon’s DNA.” Following the disqualification, Miao Yao of China will be upgraded to the OCC champion, while Caroline Kimutai of Kenya will be recognized as the Sierre-Zinal champion.
Broader Implications for the Sport
Sierre-Zinal has emphasized their zero-tolerance commitment to doping, announcing Chepngeno’s disqualification and ban from participating during her entire suspension period. The race organizers have been working closely with the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the World Mountain Running Association (WMRA), and the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) to maintain the sport’s integrity and protect athletes’ health.
This incident is not unprecedented at Sierre-Zinal, as in 2022, another Kenyan athlete, Esther Chesang, was disqualified after testing positive for the same substance: triamcinolone acetonide.
