Rita Jeptoo has been banned for two years after the Kenyan marathon runner failed a drugs test, it has been confirmed.
The 33-year-old, who has won the Boston Marathon three times and the last two Chicago Marathons, tested positive for blood-booster EPO in an out-of-competition test in September.
Athletics Kenya revealed on Friday that Jeptoo - who denies the charges - had been banned from competing for two years.
"Athletics Kenya would like to confirm that it has sanctioned Rita Jeptoo for 2 years effective from 30th October 2014 to 29th October 2016 following the results of A sample and B sample having used the prohibited substance EPO," a statement read.
Jeptoo claimed she may have been prescribed the prohibited substance as part of her treatment at a local hospital after a road accident.
She was due to be crowned world Marathon Major Champion for the year in 2014 but the ceremony was cancelled after news of her failed test.