News yesterday that 2006 Honolulu Marathon women's winner Lyubov Denisova tested positive for elevated testosterone prompted the Honolulu Marathon Association to implement regular drug testing for top finishers — starting this year.

Denisova's manager, Andrey Baranov, confirmed yesterday that the 35-year-old Russian runner tested positive for an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone ratio — the same finding that derailed 2006 Tour de France champion Floyd Landis.

The test was done in March, three months after Denisova's record-setting win (2 hours, 27 minutes and 19 seconds) in Honolulu. So while results from races Denisova ran after the test will be disqualified, her Honolulu victory — and the $67,000 she received in prize and incentive money — cannot be touched.

"We're extremely disappointed that our defending champion tested positive," Honolulu Marathon Association president Jim Barahal said. "It's totally against the ethic of our sport. We can't go back in time and take back the money and the title, but it's a reasonable conclusion that if she was cheating in February and March, it's likely that she was under the influence in December.

"It's disappointing that she's become the Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire of the Honolulu Marathon."

In past years, periodic drug testing had taken place at the Honolulu Marathon at the discretion of USA Track & Field, the national governing body for track and field, long-distance running and race-walking events. The last round of tests was conducted in 2000.

"Over the years, since we were under USATF, we just followed along with the system and it seemed to work pretty well," Barahal said. "But based on what appears to have happened, that's not the case anymore. What happened (with Denisova) is not acceptable."

MANDATORY TESTS

Barahal said the association will institute mandatory drug tests for the top three finishers in the elite men's and women's divisions, as well as random tests for 10 finishers in both categories at every race. The cost to conduct the test will be about $340 per person.

"We'll take responsibility and we'll make sure that it doesn't happen again," Barahal said.

Barahal said Denisova was the first Honolulu Marathon winner to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He also noted that she was a late entrant, not an invited runner.

"I'm not saying that makes this any better, but this is why we work with a small group of coaches and agents to bring runners in," he said. "We know not only that (the runners) will compete hard but also that these coaches and agents have not had athletes who've tested positive."

The World Anti-Doping Agency conducted the random "out-of-competition" test at Denisova's home in Gainesville, Fla., on March 20. Following regular testing protocol, the sample was divided in two. When the "A" sample revealed evidence of performance-enhancing drugs, the "B" sample was sent to Montreal for independent confirmation.

Baranov said he received word Friday that the "B" sample confirmed the original finding.

'THERE ARE NO EXCUSES'

According to Baranov, Denisova's elevated testosterone level — reportedly well above the allowable ratio — was caused by a supplement Denisova ordered over the Internet in January. He said he was unaware of the purchase until after the test.

"She went to the Internet to save money on something you would normally get at a GNC," Baranov said. "She read that it would increase her oxygen capacity and increase muscle strength, and she thought that it was legal to use. Her English is limited so she didn't understand. She should have called me or the Russian (Track and Field) Federation, but she didn't.

"There are no excuses, though. She takes responsibility for this. She knows she is responsible for everything she puts in her body."

The test results have been forwarded to the Russian Track and Field Federation, which will determine Denisova's penalty. Baranov said the federation is likely to impose a suspension of three months to a year.

The International Association of Athletics Federations, of which the Russian federation is a member, could impose a longer suspension, however.

"It could be for one or two years, but typically it's two years," said David Monti, editor of Race Results Weekly, a New York distance-running publication.

"The federation operates on the principle of 'strict liability,' meaning if it's in your body, you're responsible, even if it was a case of sabotage," Monti said. "There is no distinction between an honest mistake and being found a cheater."

Once the findings and penalties are officially announced, Denisova's results from the three races in which she competed after the date of the test will be voided.

Denisova won the More Magazine Half-Marathon Relay in New York on March 25. She placed seventh in both the Cooper River Bridge Run 10K in Charleston, S.C., on March 31, and the Boston Marathon on April 16.

Boston Marathon officials confirmed that Denisova's results from the race will stand until her drug-test findings are officially announced.

COSTLY TURN OF EVENTS

The fallout for Denisova is potentially devastating.

At 35, she is already considered relatively old for a competitive marathoner. In addition to losing whatever money she might have earned from competing, Denisova also could find her contract with Nike in jeopardy if she's dealt a prolonged suspension.

Baranov said Denisova had been looking forward to defending her Honolulu title this year. Denisova was back in town in February to present a $15,000 check to the University of Hawai'i Foundation on behalf of the Honolulu Marathon Association.

Baranov said Denisova would still like to come back in December to run the marathon as a regular entrant and to apologize to her Hawai'i fans.

According to Honolulu Marathon spokesman Pat Bigold, Denisova could register as a regular runner and pay her own way if she is not under suspension. She would not be allowed into the elite runners corral at the start and she would not be guaranteed a spot near the front.

For his part, Barahal said he would never again offer her an invitation as an elite runner.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.