Eritrean long-distance runner Berhane Tesfay has been suspended from athletics after testing positive for Erythropoietin (EPO) at the Copenhagen Marathon, where he secured victory in May. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the sport’s disciplinary body, imposed the suspension pending the completion of investigations.

The 38-year-old athlete’s doping test revealed traces of EPO, leading to his immediate suspension.

Tesfay’s victory at the Copenhagen Marathon saw him complete the 42.195-kilometer course in 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 25 seconds, outpacing the second-place finisher by 44 seconds.

Kristian Friis, the elite manager of the Copenhagen Marathon, expressed disappointment, stating that the organization strives for a clean and fair race.

In addition to his recent win, Tesfay’s athletic career includes participation in the 2021 and 2024 Olympics. He also won the Mumbai Marathon in India in 2025.