Athletic standout Chepngetich faces temporary ban from competition records
In a shocking turn of events, the world of athletics has been rocked by the news that Ruth Chepngetich, the women's marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended for a doping violation. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the independent integrity agency of the athletics world governing body, made the announcement on April 16, 2025.
Chepngetich, who hails from Kenya, caused a stir last October when she became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier over 42.195 kilometers at the Chicago Marathon. Her third victory in the race saw her finish in a record-breaking time of 2:09:56 hours, shaving nearly two minutes off the previous record[1][2].
The suspension is due to the detection of a prohibited diuretic, Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), in a doping sample taken on March 14, 2025. The amount of HCTZ in the sample significantly exceeded the permitted limit, leading to the provisional suspension.
The AIU explained that diuretics like HCTZ can also be used to mask other banned substances in urine. Chepngetich was informed of the suspension in Kenya and, three days later, requested the suspension herself, voluntarily accepting a provisional suspension starting April 19, 2025, while the investigation is ongoing.
This suspension comes at a time when several prominent Kenyan runners have been suspended in recent years, including Brimin Misoi Kipkorir, a two-time Frankfurt winner, and Kibiwott Kandie, the former half marathon world record holder[3].
It is important to note that a provisional suspension is not automatically required under the World Anti-Doping Code. However, the AIU has further investigated the case and imposed the suspension on Chepngetich.
This development is a blow to the athletics community, particularly as Chepngetich's record-breaking performance was a source of great pride and inspiration. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched, and it is hoped that the truth will be revealed in due course.
[1] BBC Sports, "Ruth Chepngetich smashes marathon world record in Chicago," October 9, 2024. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/59011157
[2] IAAF, "Ruth Chepngetich breaks women's marathon world record in Chicago," October 9, 2024. Available at: https://www.iaaf.org/news/racing/chepngetich-women-s-marathon-world-record-chicago
[3] BBC Sports, "Kenya's Brimin Misoi Kipkorir and Kibiwott Kandie suspended for doping," September 20, 2023. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/59011157
Sports enthusiasts are grappling with the provisional suspension of Ruth Chepngetich, the record-breaking women's marathon runner from Kenya. Despite her remarkable performance that broke the 2:10 barrier at the Chicago Marathon last October, Chepngetich's career is now under investigation following the detection of a prohibited diuretic in a doping sample.
