Chicago Marathon winner Rita Jeptoo reportedly fails doping test

Marathon officials have postponed an awards ceremony amid news that Kenyan runner Rita Jeptoo tested positive for a banned substance prior to her victory at the Chicago Marathon earlier this month.

The World Marathon Majors, which oversees a series of top international races, made the announcement after a Friday report on the RunBlogRun website.

The substance was allegedly detected in Jeptoo’s “A” sample during out-of-competition testing. The 33-year-old would have the opportunity to have a “B” sample tested for confirmation.

The WMM ceremony, which was to include Jeptoo, was scheduled for this weekend. Officials said that international track authorities have yet to render a decision in the case.

“Cheats need to understand that they are not welcome in our sport and that they will be caught,” said Nick Bitel, the organization’s general counsel.

Boston Marathon officials said they will wait for an official statement from the International Assn. of Athletics Federations, the international governing body for the sport, before commenting.

Jeptoo ranks among her sport’s elite with three victories at the Boston Marathon.