I am an agent working with Kenyan runners. I had three athletes entered in the half marathon in Toledo. I saw the Russian manager at the start and after the race voiced my opinion with the elite coordinator for entering athletes from her group. While I understand why he had to let them enter the race, I think having a policy similar to the Carmel Marathon is necessary. 'No athlete entered by an agent that has had ?? athlete(s) banned in ?? years/months will not be allowed entry.'
Some of my remarks included: We all knew there would not be anti-doping at this race. We all know what is going on in her group. If we allow them entry to races we are feeding into the drug culture.
Races that are not able to afford bringing USADA to their race have to use other means to discourage doping. History tells us that doping rumors tend to be true. Perhaps smaller races should allow the rumors to influence their decisions on who they allow to enter. Then again, it could be a slippery slope. Either way, every midwest race with prize money has to take responsibility in finding ways to combat doping.