Sebastian Sawe takes bold anti-doping step ahead of Berlin Marathon

Kenya’s fastest-rising marathoner Sebastian Sawe, the London Marathon champion and 2025’s quickest man over the distance, has launched a special anti-doping program ahead of his third career marathon in Berlin on September 21.

Sawe and his management contacted the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) to subject him to at least 25 unannounced tests in the two months before Berlin.

The tests, which began on July 25, are run independently by AIU using advanced lab protocols, with adidas his main sponsor covering the costs.

Sawe says the step is meant to remove doubt over his performances at a time when Kenyan athletes are under intense scrutiny.

“I am tired of reading what people write in the press and on social media. There is always doubt or an accusation when the athlete is a Kenyan. I recognize doping is a big problem in our country, and denying it would be a mistake,” Sawe was quoted by Citius Mag.

This comes as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on Thursday charged Kenya with non-compliance, warning the country could face sanctions next month. WADA says Kenya’s national anti-doping agency has not fixed “critical requirements” flagged during a May 2024 audit.

“To fight this cancer in our sport, we must shine a light on it and work with bodies like AIU and World Athletics. By taking this step, I hope to be an example — not just to prove I am clean when I race in Berlin, but to show that Kenyan athletes can take responsibility and find lasting solutions,” Sawe said

Kenya has 21 days to either dispute the findings or make the necessary changes —or risk being formally declared non-compliant. For now, the country remains in Category A, which lists nations struggling to control doping.

Sawe’s initiative, and WADA’s warning, highlight the high stakes for Kenyan athletics as Berlin looms and global confidence in the country’s clean sport reputation hangs in the balance.