Western States Adds Drug Testing Protocol To 2017 Race
For the first time in its 44-year history, the race will be implementing a new drug testing policy and protocol.
This upcoming weekend, runners will take off on the 44th edition of the Western States Endurance Run (WSER). And for the first time in its history, the world’s oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail run will be enforcing new drug testing policy protocol on those runners.
The drug testing will take place post-competition and will be handled by an independent third-party drug testing administrator using urine sample protocols in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and regulations. All runners on the final start list could be subject to drug testing, which will be conducted immediately following competition.
Runners selected will be notified by officials as they finish the race and will head to a secure area near the finish line at Placer High School in Auburn, Calif.
“Drug testing at this year’s Western States is an important and necessary step in deterring use of performance-enhancing drugs in our sport,” Medinger said in a press release issued on behalf of the Run’s Board of Trustees, who earlier this year voted unanimously to implement drug testing in 2017. “We are hoping that by taking a leadership role regarding this important issue, other races throughout the world will also make a strong commitment and take a strong stance toward fostering a drug-free future for our sport.”
You can read the WSER full drug testing policy and protocols document here.
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