Reports from Kenya say that the results of Rita Jeptoo’s “B” drug test sample should be made public later this week, which should provide the final word on whether the 2013 and 2014 Boston and Chicago Marathon champion took the blood-boosting substance erythropoietin (EPO).

Capital FM is reporting that the “B” sample analysis will take place December 17-19, while Sports News Arena is reporting that Jeptoo will know the result by December 19, followed by a public announcement on December 20.

Isaiah Kiplagat, president of Athletics Kenya, reportedly told Sports News Arena, “We will have a press conference on December 20th to make a major announcement after we have received her sample result.”

Jeptoo tested positive for EPO in an out-of-competition urine test in September. When samples are taken, they are divided into two equal parts and are stored separately. One is considered the “A” sample, and the other is considered the “B” sample. “B” samples are tested only when the test of the “A” sample produces an adverse analytical finding, as was the case with Jeptoo’s “A” sample.

Jeptoo could have accepted the positive test of her “A” sample, which would have meant accepting a ban from competition, and forfeiting her titles and earnings, including the $500,000 she was scheduled to receive for winning the 2013-14 World Marathon Majors title. Instead, Jeptoo requested that her “B” sample be tested.

If Jeptoo’s “B” sample tests negative for banned substances, Jeptoo will theoretically be able to proceed with her career, though there is some question as to whether her reputation within the sport has already been irreparably damaged, and whether major races would welcome her back. Her estranged husband, Noah Busienei, says that she began doping in 2011.

It is uncommon for “B” samples to test negative when an “A” sample tests positive, but it does happen. In 2003, Olympic and World Championship medalist Bernard Lagat had an “A” sample that tested positive for EPO, but his “B” sample cleared him.

Sports News Arena is also reporting that Athletics Kenya has announced that two other female marathoners, Viola Chelangat Kimetto and Joyce Jemutai Kiplimo, have failed drug tests. Neither is among the top tier of Kenyan marathoners. Both tested positive for norandrosterone, the metabolite of the steroid nandrolone.

Sports News Arena also reports that Athletics Kenya’s Medical and Antidoping Commission is investigating six other runners—Philip Kibiwot Kandie, James Maunga Nyankabaria, Alice Ndirangu, Elizabeth Jebet Chelagat, Isaac Kimaiyo Kemboi, and Bernard Mwendia Muthoni—for possible doping violations. None are among Kenya's top distance runners.

Related:

World Marathon Majors Ceremony Postponed

Rita Jeptoo's Coach, Manager Profess Ignorance of Reported Drug Use

Sports Gene Author Reacts to Rita Jeptoo Drug Test News

Rita Jeptoo Requests Analysis of Her Drug Test "B" Sample

Rita Jeptoo's Husband Says She Began Doping in 2011

Can Races Get Prize Money Back After Winners Fail Drug Tests?

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