BREAKING NEWS: Temporary Suspension Due to Positive Sample for Kenyan Marathon World Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich

(Image credit to WORLD ATHLETICS)

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has announced the temporary suspension of Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepngetich, the women’s marathon world record holder, due to a positive anti-doping test.

Ruth Chepngetich has been placed under provisional suspension following the detection of a banned substance in an anti-doping sample. The substance found was hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic used medically to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. It is listed as a prohibited substance by WADA, as it can also act as a masking agent for other substances.

The sample, taken on March 14, 2024 from the 30-year-old athlete, contained a concentration of 3800 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), while the reporting average for HCTZ is 20 ng/mL.

The initial notice of the violation was issued on April 16. However, the athlete was not immediately placed under suspension. A few days later, on April 19, she voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension pending the investigation of the case. According to AIU head Brett Clothier, the unit has completed its investigation and officially issued the charge, enforcing its own temporary punishment on Chepngetich. The case remains open and is proceeding through the established legal process.

Chepngetich broke the women’s marathon world record in October 2024 at the Chicago Marathon, clocking a time of 2:09:56.

Article written by Ioanna Ntontsef