Kenya's women's marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years after she admitted to anti-doping rule violations - but her 2:09:56 mark will still stand as it was set before her positive test.Â
Chepngetich, who shattered the record by nearly two minutes in Chicago last October, was provisionally suspended in July by the Athletics Integrity Unit after Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was detected in a sample collected on March 14.
The sample revealed a HCTZ concentration of 3,800ng/mL, far above the World Anti-Doping Agency's minimum reporting limit of 20ng/mL.
She initially denied any wrongdoing and could not explain the positive result despite an AIU investigation, which included analysis of her medications, supplements and phone data.
However, two weeks after her suspension, on July 31, Chepngetich changed her explanation, saying she had unknowingly taken her housemaid's medication, which contained HCTZ, while ill.
The AIU said HCTZ is used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension, adding that diuretics may also be abused to mask the presence in urine of other prohibited substances.
The AIU said Chepngetich's actions were reckless and indirectly intentional rather than accidental, initially applying a four-year sanction.
However, Chepngetich's early admission earned her a one-year reduction, resulting in a three-year ban issued on September 10.
"The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from Chepngetich's phone to determine if any other violations have occurred," AIU head Brett Clothier said in a statement.
"In the meantime, all Chepngetich's achievements and records pre-dating the 14 March 2025 sample stand."
