Is World Marathon Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich Suspended for Doping?

Monaco, July 17 (NationPress) Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich, the current women's marathon world-record holder, has been provisionally suspended following a positive test for a prohibited substance, as confirmed by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday.

Chepngetich, aged 30, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic and masking agent widely utilized to conceal the presence of performance-enhancing drugs. The AIU reported that the sample was collected in March of this year, and Chepngetich has chosen to accept a voluntary provisional suspension while the investigation by the AIU is in progress.

This development follows less than a year after Chepngetich's remarkable achievement at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where she shattered the women's world record by nearly two minutes. She finished the race in 2:09:56, becoming the first woman to complete a marathon in under 2:10, securing her third victory in the Windy City and solidifying her status among the sport’s elite long-distance runners.

In addition to her recent success, Chepngetich also earned international acclaim in 2019, winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in Doha. Under grueling conditions with a midnight start to mitigate the Qatari heat, she triumphed over a challenging field, showcasing her endurance and strategic prowess.

However, her recent achievements are now clouded by this positive test result and the serious implications it may entail.

“The athlete was interviewed in person in Kenya in April and complied with requests regarding our investigation,” stated AIU head Brett Clothier. “Our process is ongoing, and we will determine the next steps in line with standard anti-doping protocols.”

Although hydrochlorothiazide is not a performance-enhancing drug by itself, it is categorized as a masking agent under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. Its detection in an athlete's system raises significant concerns as it can dilute urine or conceal traces of banned substances.

Currently, there is no set timeline for the conclusion of Chepngetich’s disciplinary proceedings. If found guilty of a doping infraction, she may face a lengthy ban, and her recent achievements — including the world record in Chicago — could be nullified.

This incident marks yet another setback for Kenyan athletics, which has been facing an alarming increase in doping violations in recent years. Since 2020, over 60 Kenyan athletes have been suspended for anti-doping breaches, leading to heightened scrutiny and ongoing reform initiatives.