MEDIA RELEASE: ABSA MARATHON RECORDS CLEAN SHEET

MEDIA RELEASE

ABSA MARATHON RECORDS CLEAN SHEET

Lusaka, Zambia, 14 October 2025 - The Anti-Doping team in Zambia conducted random tests at the ABSA Marathon that was held in Lusaka on 6 September, 2025 and attracted runners from different countries.

The tests were conducted in accordance with the International Standards and Regulations and samples subjected to the internationally accredited laboratory in Doha to ascertain whether the athletes had taken banned substances.

Dickson Jere

We wish to announce that all the samples that were conducted and subjected to testing have come out negative in the preliminary results.

We congratulate ABSA Marathon organizers and the Lusaka Fitness Squad for adhering to the standards and guidelines set for anti-doping during the marathon.

We wish to advise sports federations, clubs and athletes in Zambia that similar tests will be randomly conducted at different sports events to ensure compliance to the international anti-doping rules that prescribes doping in sports.

On behalf of the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), which is the de facto National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO), we wish to thank all those that participated in the exercise, which was the first time to be conducted at ABSA Marathon.

Further, we wish to advise all sports federations to look out for the new list of the prohibited drugs and substances which will come in effect on 1st January, 2026, as issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Taking banned substances or drugs or using prohibited methods in sports can lead to athletes being suspended or banned from taking part in sports activities and competitions.

Editors’ Note: The WADA is an international Organisation co-founded by 140 nations along with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) based in Canada to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. It also monitors the World Anti-Doping Code, which is enforce by UNESCO. In Zambia, the interim body for anti-doping is the NOCZ until Parliament enacts a law to establish one.

Issued by:

Dickson JERE

Member Country Representative (Zambia)

Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (RADO).