Ruti Aga Handed Six-Year Ban for Doping Violation and Fake Prescription

Posted : 23 October 2026

Ethiopian marathon runner Ruti Aga has been suspended from competition for six years following an anti-doping violation and an attempt to mislead investigators, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Thursday. The 32-year-old, who won the Tokyo Marathon in 2019, was sanctioned after testing positive for a prohibited substance and submitting a medical document that investigators determined was fraudulent.

The case followed an anti-doping test conducted after Aga won the Meishan Renshou Half Marathon in China on March 15, 2026. Her sample contained methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid prohibited during competition under anti-doping regulations. The medication has legitimate medical uses, including treating inflammatory conditions, but its use by athletes is restricted under specified circumstances.

Aga explained that the substance had been administered to treat a knee injury. However, the AIU's investigation found serious inconsistencies in the prescription she provided to support her explanation. According to investigators, the medical facility named on the document did not exist, while the individual who supposedly prescribed the medication was a family member without the required medical registration.

The investigation also found that Aga had supplied misleading information during an interview with anti-doping officials before submitting the disputed prescription. These actions resulted in an additional charge relating to tampering with the doping-control process.

The AIU imposed a two-year suspension for the prohibited substance violation and a further four years for tampering, bringing the total penalty to six years. Reports indicate that Aga did not respond to the charges, and the sanction was consequently imposed without a hearing. The suspension was backdated to September 10, 2026.

AIU chief executive Brett Clothier said the case demonstrated the importance of thorough investigations in identifying doping violations and challenging explanations that cannot be substantiated. He emphasised that protecting fair competition requires sustained efforts and adequate resources, adding that attempts to undermine the anti-doping process would be exposed.

Aga has established herself as a prominent figure in international distance running. In addition to her 2019 Tokyo Marathon victory, she has secured multiple podium finishes at major marathon events, including competitions in Berlin and New York. Her results have placed her among Ethiopia's notable marathon performers in recent years.

The six-year suspension represents a significant setback for the athlete's career and underscores the consequences of both prohibited substance violations and interference with anti-doping investigations. The case also reinforces the AIU's commitment to maintaining integrity in elite athletics.

Ruti Aga Handed Six-Year Ban for Doping Violation and Fake Prescription

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