Rita’s woes, Edna’s boom:CAS doubles Jeptoo’s ban, Edna Kiplagat headed for Sh100m marathon windfall

Rita Jeptoo of Kenya reacts after crossing the finish line to win the women's race during the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Chicago. Chicago's 37th annual race included a field of 108 elite men, women and wheelchair athletes. There were also 45,000 amateur runners registered and more than 1 million people were expected to watch along the way.(AP Photo/Andrew A. Nelles)

Marathon star Edna Kiplagat is in line to rake in a Sh100 million windfall after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) doubled compatriot Rita Jeptoo’s ban for using performance enhancing drugs.

The gritty and humble Edna was denied Sh100million earnings in World Marathon Majors (WMM) by drug cheats Liliya Shobukhova of Russia in 2012/2013 and Jeptoo in 2013/2014 who on both seasons finished ahead of her.

But like Terry Pratchett, a British Science Fiction and comedy writer says in Jingo, that fortune favours the brave, Edna’s despair may yet be wiped out by Lady Luck’s huge smile on her.

In an interview in January this year, Edna appeared resigned to losing out when she said: “My talent is just being wasted. I don’t know why and right now I have no motivation. I have tried it several times. Shobukhova and Jeptoo have been suspended but I have not been paid. I hope for a good decision to allow me get back my money. Shobukhova has not returned the money. I am still waiting for any response.”

And now for being brave enough to push the cheats all the way to finish second on both occasions, her prayer may have been answered by CAS sitting in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday.

The ruling said: “The results of Ms Jeptoo in the 2014 Boston Marathon and all other results from April 17, 2014 (including the 2014 Chicago Marathon) are disqualified pursuant to IAAF Rule 40.8, with all resulting consequences, including the forfeiture of the title, medal, prize money, and any other appearance money.

“The costs of these proceedings, which shall be specified and communicated separately by the CAS court office, shall be borne by Ms Jeptoo.”

It’s sad news for Jeptoo, who had put up a spirited appeal that lasted the entire ban period, which was due to end tomorrow.

The CAS decision now means Kiplagat, the two-time world marathon champion, is poised for double fortune from the past two WMM