All three were suspended by the German track and field federation when they gave samples, apparently from the same person.

As a result, despite a court order that would have allowed him to compete domestically, the international track and field federation is upholding the ban.

So averse to hot weather is the rumpled, 32-year-old marathoner, that he has a special contract with the Belgian track and field federation.

Krabbe, a product of the old East German track and field federation, has been engulfed in difficulties involving drugs for more than six months.

As a result, they were suspended by the Germany track and field federation on charges that they manipulated the samples.

Like many Kenyan runners, she has had frequent clashes with the national track and field federation.

Guides published by the international track and field federation say he is eight years older.

The country's track and field federation, however, is notorious for playing political games with its Olympic roster.

But the United States track and field federation will not enforce the suspensions, calling the allegations unproven.

In 1999, 7.1 million Americans finished a road race, as against 3 million in 1985, according to the United States track and field federation.