Press Release - London Marathon - 11/8/12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                  Inga Abitova Handed Two Year Doping Ban

The Virgin London Marathon is naturally disappointed with the news that 
Inga Abitova (Russia) has been handed a two year doping ban by the VFLA 
(The Russian Athletic Federation).

It notes that the VFLA has annulled Abitova's results from October 10 2009, 
which includes her 2nd place in the 2010 London Marathon, whilst she is 
suspended from October 11 2012 for two years.

Organisers of the London Marathon confirm that all of the elite athletes 
taking part are blood tested at the London Marathon.

The London Marathon and our colleagues at World Marathon Majors have been 
at the forefront of the fight against doping in athletics and very recently 
committed to support extended Biological Passport testing to all elite 
competitors.

The London Marathon is urgently seeking further details from the Russian 
Federation and the IAAF before deciding what further steps it can take.

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