An ultrarunner who took home a major prize after this year’s 61 KM OCC at UTMB Mont-Blanc has been disqualified. Joyline Chepngeno, who claimed victory in two high-profile races this year, has now been stripped of both titles and handed a two-year ban from the world of trail running after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced that Chepngeno, a 27-year-old Kenyan, tested positive for triamcinolone acetonide. The drug is a corticosteroid prohibited by the sport’s governing body.
The results came from her race earlier this summer at the Sierre-Zinal on Aug. 9. After that, she went on to win the UTMB OCC event. The race is often regarded as one of the crown jewels of long-distance trail running. However, the positive test means Joyline Chepngeno must forfeit both wins. She is also now facing a two-year suspension and will not be eligible to compete until 2027.
The disqualification has reshaped UTMB’s OCC standings. China’s Miao Yao is now the official winner. Switzerland’s Judith Wyder and Maude Mathys are moving into second and third place, respectively.
A Bigger Impact
Corticosteroids like triamcinolone help reduce inflammation and can induce feelings of euphoria in athletes. In endurance events, they may mask pain and fatigue, providing an unfair edge over competitors. The medication is only permitted with prior medical approval.
In Joyline Chepngeno’s case, this violation means she is no longer allowed to compete in the race series, at least for now. But the impact of the ruling extends further than just her. Officials have also banned her coach and running team, while also demanding reimbursement for prize money and administrative expenses.
So far, she has not issued any public response to the allegations or the decision from the AIU.
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