Ethiopian long distance runner Gebo Burka was slapped with an 18-month ban after a failed drug test, the United States Anti-Doping Agency announced.
Burka tested positive for the banned steroid prednisone after winning the 2016 Houston Marathon. Prednisone is a synthetic hormone that helps reduce inflammation.
Burka "tested positive for the prohibited substance prednisone as a result of an in-competition urine sample he provided on January 17, 2016," the USADA said in a news release. "Prednisone is a substance in the class of Glucocorticoids and is prohibited in competition."
Ethiopian long distance runner Gebo Burka tested positive for the banned steroid prednisone after winning the 2016 Houston Marathon ©Harry How (Getty/AFP/File)
Burka's ban is retroactive to the date of his failed test, which means he will be eligible to return to competition in August 2017, the USADA said.
He must also forfeit all his results from January 17 and afterward, including his Houston Marathon title.
Burka told the USADA he had a prescription for prednisone and was using it in small doses, but failed to disclose it on his pre-race Therapeutic Use Exemption forms.
Burka's Texas marathon victory had extended Ethiopia's winning streak in Houston to eight races.
He has won five career marathons, including Los Angeles and Sydney in 2014.
His personal best is a 2:08.12 he posted while finishing runner-up in the 2015 Houston race.
