Posted: October 29, 2007

Athletics (RWire): Stricter Drug Policy Adopted by PRRO Circuit Events

Athletes who have tested positive won't be invited Under a new policy adopted by the Professional Road Running Organization (PRRO) Circuit, athletes who are returning to competition after serving a drug suspension will not be invited to compete in any PRRO Circuit event. Athletes deemed eligible by the IAAF after their suspension is served may enter PRRO events through the normal registration process, but without travel, lodging and other hospitality arrangements that are normally extended to top road racers. "Two years ago, all PRRO events agreed to do drug testing at our own cost," said PRRO President Don Kardong, who is also the Race Director of the Lilac Bloomsday Run. "This new policy underscores how seriously we take our commitment to a drug-free sport. Simply being eligible to compete again after serving a drug suspension doesn't mean an athlete has earned the courtesy of an invitation to compete again, at least not at any PRRO Circuit event." The new policy is effective immediately at the five PRRO Circuit events: World's Best 10K in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile in Washington, DC; Lilac Bloomsday Run in Spokane, WA; Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, GA and the Utica Boilermaker 15K in Utica, NY. The PRRO Circuit offers world class competition for athletes of all nations in events at less than the marathon distance. Drug testing is carried out by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). For more information, contact: Elizabeth Unislawski, PRRO Administrator, (404) 231-9064, x11; unislaw@atlantatrackclub.org. Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director (805) 696-6232; Fax = (805) 659-0016 Ryan@RunningUSA.org www.RunningUSA.org. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest