Press Release - World Marathon Majors - 4/29/14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                        Shobukhova Doping Ban

World Marathon Majors was disappointed to hear the news that Liliya 
Shobukhova has been handed a two year doping ban by the Russian Athletics 
Federation (VFLA).

It notes that the VFLA has annulled Shobukhova's results from 9TH October 
2009, which includes her results in the London Marathon 2010 and 2011 and 
Chicago Marathons 2009-2012. If this decision is confirmed after any appeal 
then it would mean that her wins of the 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 World 
Marathon Major series would also be annulled.

From its inception in 2006, World Marathon Majors has been at the forefront 
of the fight against doping in athletics. As a part of this, WMM has 
provided financial support to the International Association of Athletics 
Federation, to help it ensure Biological Passport testing of all elite 
competitors. Additionally, WMM has previously agreed that any athlete found 
guilty of a doping offence will not be invited back to its races.

WMM events were the first major events to confirm that all elite athletes 
taking part in their events would be blood tested and have consistently 
called for wider testing by others.

As previously announced, any athlete found guilty of a doping offence will 
be required to repay any prize or appearance money earned at WMM events 
including WMM series prize money.

Nick Bitel, General Counsel of WMM said, "WMM will continue to hold a stern 
line and supports all measures to ensure the integrity of the athletes 
competing in their races. Cheats need to understand that they are not 
welcome in our sport and that they will be caught."

The athlete has a right to appeal the Federation decision. WMM is unable to 
comment further until that has either expired, or any appeal has been 
determined.


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