Ruth Chepngetich, the world marathon record holder and one of Kenya’s most celebrated long-distance runners, has been provisionally suspended for doping.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced the decision on Wednesday, revealing that the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was found in her system following a routine test conducted on 14 March.
Chepngetich, 30, made global headlines in October 2024 when she smashed the women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, clocking an astonishing 2:09:56. That performance shaved nearly two minutes off the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in Berlin in 2023.
But that triumph is now under a shadow.
HCTZ, a diuretic often used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention, is listed as a prohibited substance under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. It is frequently flagged for its potential to mask the presence of performance-enhancing drugs.
According to the AIU, Chepngetich’s sample revealed a concentration of 3,800 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL)-far exceeding the minimum reporting threshold of 20 ng/mL.
While she was not immediately suspended when first informed of the test result on 16 April, Chepngetich voluntarily stepped aside from competition on 19 April, pending further investigations.
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a notice of charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” said Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, in a statement.
The news has sent shockwaves through the global athletics community and sparked fresh questions about the pressures facing elite runners.
As of now, Chepngetich has not publicly responded to the suspension or the charge. Her camp remains silent.
The AIU has not indicated whether Chepngetich will challenge the findings or accept the sanctions. If found guilty, she could face a lengthy ban and potentially lose her Chicago title.
Kenya, a nation known for its dominance in long-distance running, has been battling growing scrutiny over doping in recent years. Over 60 Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned for anti-doping violations since 2022.
The case now heads to the adjudication stage, where Chepngetich will have a chance to present her defence. Until then, her provisional suspension remains in effect.
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