Kenyan officials say female marathoner tested for EPO

Kenyan officials have confirmed that a recent drug test found EPO in the system of top marathoner Rita Jeptoo.

Two vice presidents of Athletics Kenya told the Associated Press that the blood-enhancing substance was detected in a Sept. 25 out-of-competition test.

Jeptoo subsequently won the Chicago Marathon. She is also the defending champion in Boston.

Her agent was quoted as saying that Jeptoo had denied wrongdoing but it was not known if she would challenge the finding by having a backup “B” sample tested.

Eighteen Kenyan runners reportedly failed drug tests in 2012 and 2013, which represents a significant upswing.