Returning dopers in long distance running ?

(Mid)Distance runners who have come back include Baumann + Driouch + Kisorio (who just got banned again), and race walker Schwazer (also banned again). I am sure we can come up with more, if we think about.

Now with a standard of four years for intentional doping, a comeback will be harder. Kiprop and Houlihan have planned/announced their comeback, but that remains to be seen.

Yours is an interesting premise.

I have not seen any data trying explain your query but I will throw out a few amateur hypothesis.

- The nature of high end aerobic training makes a break tougher for distance runners compared to sprinters.

- Attempts at comebacks make it very hard to reach PED boosted levels, thus many attempted comebacks go unnoticed.

-It is very difficult to maintain high levels of training for an extended period of time without races along the way. The support system of teammates, coaches, and clubs would also feel like they see you differently, true or not. This could curb training & comeback enthusiasm also. Are positive tests in cycling seen as the norm and they do not experience the same level of scrutiny from support systems?

I am interested to see you and other thoughts.

Sorry for the duplicate.

They should just say they are recovering addicted and it will be a feel good story like the meth marathoner

Yeah I think you've nailed it, too many hurdles to overcome to come back ! Actually in cycling I don't think anyone's come from a 4 (or 3) year suspension either...