Marathon World Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich Banned for Three Years Over Doping Violation

A Shocking Fall From Grace

Kenyan marathon star Ruth Chepngetich, the women’s marathon world record holder, has been handed a three-year ban after admitting to anti-doping rule violations, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in July 2025 after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a prohibited diuretic and masking agent, during an out-of-competition test on 14 March 2025.

Record to Stand Despite Ban

The 31-year-old’s world record performance of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024 will remain valid, as it occurred before the date of her positive test.

The AIU initially sought a four-year suspension, but Chepngetich’s punishment was reduced to three years after she admitted the violation. Her ban officially started on 19 April 2025, when she accepted a voluntary provisional suspension.

All of her results, awards, and prize money obtained after 14 March 2025 have been annulled.

Suspicious Evidence Found

The AIU said it will continue to investigate evidence recovered from Chepngetich’s phone, which suggests her use of banned substances may have been intentional.

“The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from Chepngetich’s phone,” said AIU head Brett Clothier.

He added that the messages, dating back to 2022, raised “reasonable suspicion” about the athlete’s possible involvement in other doping activities.

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Inconsistent Explanations

Chepngetich initially told the AIU that she had no explanation for the presence of HCTZ in her system. The banned substance was found at an estimated concentration of 3,800 ng/mL, far exceeding the minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL.

A second test taken two weeks earlier, on 28 February, also revealed trace amounts of the drug, further complicating her defense.

During a follow-up interview in July, Chepngetich claimed she had accidentally ingested her housemaid’s medication, which was labeled as HCTZ, after falling ill. However, investigators dismissed the explanation as implausible.

The AIU noted that contamination was “disproven” and that Chepngetich’s conduct demonstrated “recklessness,” which under anti-doping rules qualifies as indirect intent.

“Nobody Is Above the Rules”

AIU chair David Howman said Chepngetich’s case underscores the importance of accountability in athletics, regardless of an athlete’s fame or success.

“While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is supposed to work,” Howman said. “Nobody is above the rules.”

He also praised the road-running industry for funding robust anti-doping programs capable of exposing violations among elite athletes.

Kenya’s Ongoing Doping Challenge

Kenya, long celebrated for its dominance in long-distance running, has faced mounting scrutiny over doping violations among its elite athletes. Chepngetich’s ban adds to a growing list of Kenyan runners suspended in recent years.

The country remains under close watch by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as it continues to battle against systemic doping within athletics.

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