Kenyan marathon record-holder Ruth Chepngetich faces suspension due to doping allegations
In a shocking turn of events, the world record holder in the women's marathon, Ruth Chepngetich, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following a positive test for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The positive result was discovered from a urine sample collected on March 14, 2025.
The 30-year-old Kenyan athlete, who set a world record in Doha 2019 by becoming the first woman to break the two hours and 10 minutes barrier (2h 9m 56s) in the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2019, has cooperated fully with the AIU's requests during their investigation.
Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on April 19, 2025, although it is not mandatory for diuretic use under the World Anti-Doping Code. A formal Notice of Charge has been issued against her, and she has the option to appeal the decision to a disciplinary tribunal.
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) is a diuretic commonly prescribed for managing fluid retention and high blood pressure. However, in the context of athletics, it is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules unless there is a valid therapeutic use exemption (TUE). The use of diuretics can potentially mask the presence of other banned substances or aid in weight loss, which might be beneficial for athletes in weight-sensitive sports.
Athletes found using banned diuretics can face suspensions of up to two years, depending on the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. It is crucial for athletes to comply with WADA regulations and obtain necessary TUEs for any prescribed medications.
This functionality is only available to subscribers. The suspension of Ruth Chepngetich highlights the strict enforcement of anti-doping rules in athletics and the importance of transparency regarding athletes' use of medical substances. The case also underscores the potential misuse of diuretics in sports, which can lead to significant penalties.
In April 2021, Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon, citing not being "in the right mental or physical place" to compete at her highest level. No further competition participation was set aside for the athlete at the time of the positive test. The investigation into the case continued during the provisional suspension period. The Disciplinary Tribunal will determine the official punishment, which could result in a two-year ban.
The AIU statement regarding the case mentioned that there were already voices that doubted the athlete's achievement, leading the Athletics Federation of Kenya to issue a statement defending those numbers. The functionality for this information is only available to registered users.
People are often curious about the use of performance-enhancing substances in sports, and the provisional suspension of world record holder Ruth Chepngetich serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement of anti-doping rules. The athlete has been provisionally banned for using hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic commonly used to manage fluid retention and high blood pressure, but which is prohibited in sports unless a valid therapeutic use exemption (TUE) is in place.
