Drug-using world record holder faces suspension
Ruth Chepngetich, the Kenyan marathon world record-holder, is currently under a provisional suspension due to a doping violation. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the suspension on Thursday, following a positive test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic and masking agent, in a urine sample collected out-of-competition on March 14, 2025.
The AIU's investigation into Chepngetich's case is ongoing, and she has chosen to cooperate with the authorities. In April, she met with AIU investigators in person in Kenya. The substance for which Chepngetich tested positive can be used to conceal the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Chepngetich's suspension casts uncertainty over her recent achievements, including setting the women's marathon world record of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2024, and has implications for team selection in upcoming competitions.
The AIU did not disclose the timeline for handling Chepngetich's case or provide any new information about her competitive status or record times. If found guilty, she could face a standard two-year ban, though this depends on the outcome of her disciplinary hearing. Chepngetich retains the right to contest the charge before a Disciplinary Tribunal.
In a statement, Brett Clothier, an AIU representative, confirmed that Chepngetich had cooperated with the investigation. Chepngetich won the marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Qatar, where the race started at midnight to avoid the intense heat. In October 2020, she set a world record by nearly two minutes at the Chicago Marathon, with a time of two hours, nine minutes, and 56 seconds.
As of now, the AIU's provisional suspension of Chepngetich remains in effect. Fans and sports enthusiasts will eagerly await updates on the outcome of her disciplinary hearing and the future of her career in the sport.
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting updates on Ruth Chepngetich's disciplinary hearing, as the AIU's provisional suspension in her sports career continues. Her recent achievements, including setting the women's marathon world record, are under question after testing positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent, which can be used to conceal performance-enhancing drugs in sports.
