Chepngetich retains women’s marathon world record despite three-year ban

Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning Kenyan woman’s marathon world record holder, was given a three-year suspension on Thursday after she admitted breaking the anti-doping rules. However, her 2: 09: 56 record will continue to be recorded as it was before her positive test.

After hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was found in a urine sample taken from the athlete on March 14, Chepngetich, who broke the record in Chicago in October, was subject to a provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) in July of this year.

The sample revealed a HCTZ concentration of 3,800 ng/mL, which is significantly higher than the 20ng/mL minimum reporting level set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Chepngetich, 31, initially denied any wrongdoing and was unable to explain the positive outcome despite an AIU investigation that included analysis of her supplements, phone data, and medications.

Chepngetich alters the positive test explanation

Chepngetich changed her explanation on July 31 to claim that she had unintentionally taken the HCTZ medication her housemaid had taken while she was ill.

According to a statement from the AIU, “She stated that she had forgotten to tell the AIU investigators about this incident.”

The AIU notes that diuretics may be used to conceal the presence of other prohibited substances in urine. HCTZ is used clinically to treat hypertension and fluid retention.

The AIU initially issued a four-year sanction, claiming Chepngetich’s actions were reckless and indirectly intentional rather than accidental.

However, Chepngetich’s early admission resulted in a three-year ban on September 10 and a one-year reduction.

The AIU will continue to look into the suspicious materials recovered from Chepngetich’s phone to see if any other violations have occurred, according to AIU head Brett Clothier, whose case involving the positive HCTZ test has been resolved.

All Chepngetich’s accomplishments and records are currently dated before the sample stand on March 14, 2025.

Chepngetich’s representative has been in contact with Reuters for comment.

Doping cases with a high profile

Chepngetich announced her withdrawal from the London Marathon in April, claiming she was “not mentally or physically ready to run her best.” However, at the time, she had chosen a voluntarily-provisional suspension.

In recent years, Kenya, a country known for its middle and long-distance runners, has been the victim of a number of well-known doping cases.

The middle- and long-distance running powerhouse avoided a ban in November 2022 despite having more and more of its athletes receive suspensions for positive tests.

According to Athletics Kenya, the country’s government has pledged $5 million annually for five years to combat doping in the sport.

After it was discovered that the former Tokyo Marathon winner had broken anti-doping laws a second time with her return of a negative testosterone analysis finding, Kenya’s Sarah Chepchirchir was given an eight-year ban in February 2024.