The New York Road Runners has collaborated with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to randomly test at least six male and six female runners at the 2008 New York City Marathon.

In addition to testing the urine samples for anabolic steroids and other substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Code, the Road Runners requested this year that Usada test for the blood booster erythropoietin, or EPO. The Road Runners pay for the tests, which will amount to $550 per athlete.

We wonder if 12 random tests out of over 39,000 runners will deter the use of banned substances? The NY Road Runners and USADA are satisfied nonetheless. … Read the rest of this entry »