Two-time defending Boston Marathon women’s champion Rita Jeptoo has been banned from competition for two years after a failed drug test last September.

Jeptoo’s case was heard before a Kenya Athletics commission Thursday, four months after the failed test. She faces possible forfeiture of championships and more than $1 million in lost prize money.

Jeptoo tested positive for EPO, which is used to stimulate production of red blood cells. She won the Chicago marathon on in October, just weeks after failing the drug test.

Jeptoo won the Boston Marathon in 2006, 2013, and 2014. She is also a two-time champion in the Chicago Marathon.


Jeptoo is eligible to race again in September 2016.