Comrades Marathon winner fails doping test

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JOHANNESBURG -- South Africa's Institute for Drug-Free Sport says Comrades Marathon winner Ludwick Mamabolo has tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine and could face a two-year ban and be stripped of his title if found guilty by an independent tribunal.

SAIDS says on Tuesday that Mamabolo, the first home winner of South Africa's ultra-marathon in seven years, failed the doping test after the race on June 3.

SAIDS chief executive Khalid Galant says stimulants such as methylhexaneamine give athletes a heightened sense of energy and awareness and can mask fatigue in long distance races.

The 35-year-old Mamabolo faces a sanction ranging from a warning to a two-year ban. A date for the tribunal has not been set.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

This story is from ESPN.com's automated news wire. Wire index

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