World Marathon Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich Suspended Over Doping Violation
Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned substance. According to the AIU, the Kenyan athlete’s out-of-competition sample collected on March 14, 2025, returned adverse findings for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic classified as a masking agent by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
The test, analyzed in a WADA-accredited laboratory, found HCTZ levels exceeding 3,800 ng/mL—nearly 200 times the permitted threshold of 20 ng/mL. Following her notification on April 16, Chepngetich opted into a voluntary provisional suspension just days later, before formally being charged by the AIU on July 17. The athlete now faces a possible two-year ban, pending the outcome of a disciplinary tribunal.
Chepngetich, who made history by clocking 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon to set the current women’s marathon world record, had recently withdrawn from the 2025 London Marathon, citing poor form. The doping development casts a shadow over her record and achievements, which may be nullified if the tribunal upholds the charges. The AIU has confirmed that the case is ongoing and Chepngetich retains the right to a fair hearing.
Tags: AssistALL World Athletics Kenyan Sign Language Signsmedia Signstvkenya Assistall App Kenya Athletics Luke Muleka Fifa
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
An editor at Signs Tv
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT. WELL DRAWN INSIGHTS ABOUT WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY . THIS IS RANGING FROM PARALYMPICS, BALL GAMES, ATHLETICS, RUGBY, TENNIS, GOLF, RACING AND SAFARI RALLY
View articles