Former Half Marathon Record-Holder Kibiwott Kandie Banned Seven Years by AIU
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced that former half marathon world record-holder Kibiwott Kandie has been banned for seven years after admitting to two serious Anti-Doping Rule Violations: refusing to submit to a doping test and tampering with the control process.
The 30-year-old Kenyan, a three-time Valencia Half Marathon champion and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, was initially facing an eight-year sanction, four years for refusing a test and four years for tampering.
However, Kandie received a one-year reduction after early admission and acceptance of the charges. His ban runs from March 14, 2025, the date of his provisional suspension, until March 13, 2032.
Kandie famously set the half marathon world record of 57:32 minutes in 2020, a mark that stood until surpassed by Jacob Kiplimo.
He remains the third-fastest performer in history and is responsible for two of the six fastest half marathon times ever recorded.
The AIU revealed that Kandie’s explanations for refusing a test in March 2025 were proven false following forensic analysis of his phone and financial records.
Investigators discovered multiple calls to a nurse in Eldoret and financial transfers linked to her, while documents submitted by Kandie to justify his absence were confirmed to be fake by Kenyan authorities.
AIU Head Brett Clothier stated: ‘This case serves as a reminder that no athlete is above the rules in the sport of athletics. The AIU has strong forensic capability and will thoroughly investigate such cases to ensure the truth comes out in the end.’
