Kenyan marathon world record holder banned for three years over doping violation
Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 23.10.25. | 17:12
The analysis of Chepng’etich’s sample revealed a concentration of 3,800ng/mL, far exceeding the World Anti-Doping Agency’s minimum reporting limit of 20ng/mL
Kenya’s women’s marathon world record-holder, Ruth Chepng’etich, has been suspended for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after admitting to Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) involving the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
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The 31-year-old, a former world marathon champion and three-time Chicago Marathon winner, tested positive for the prohibited diuretic from a sample collected on 14 March 2025. She accepted the charges and sanctions following a detailed AIU investigation.
Diuretics such as HCTZ are sometimes used to mask other banned substances, though they can also appear as contaminants in certain medications.
However, the analysis of Chepng’etich’s sample revealed a concentration of 3,800ng/mL, far exceeding the World Anti-Doping Agency’s minimum reporting limit of 20ng/mL.
During her first AIU interview on 16 April, Chepng’etich was unable to explain the finding. Investigators collected her supplements and medications, as well as data from her mobile phone, for analysis. All products tested negative for HCTZ.
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At a second interview on 11 July, she was confronted with information obtained from her phone that suggested possible intentional use. Despite this, she maintained that she had never doped and could not explain the result.
On 31 July 2025, Chepng’etich changed her position, writing to the AIU to say she had fallen ill two days before the test and took her housemaid’s medication without checking its contents.
She later provided a photo showing the medication blister pack clearly labelled Hydrochlorothiazide.
The AIU described her explanation as “hardly credible”, noting that such recklessness amounts to indirect intent under the Anti-Doping Rules and therefore attracts a four-year sanction.
On 22 August, the AIU issued a Notice of Charge seeking a four-year ban. Chepng’etich, however, admitted the violations and accepted the sanction within 20 days, qualifying for a one-year reduction under the Early Admission provision.
AIU Head Brett Clothier confirmed that the case had been resolved, but said investigations would continue following the discovery of suspicious material in her phone.
“The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from Chepng’etich’s phone to determine if any other violations have occurred. In the meantime, all Chepng’etich’s achievements and records pre-dating the 14 March 2025 sample stand,” he said.
AIU Chair David Howman emphasised that the case demonstrates the sport’s commitment to integrity.
“While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is supposed to work. The road-running industry should be commended for collectively funding anti-doping efforts capable of uncovering doping violations committed by elite athletes in their events.
The level of testing and investigative activity carried out in this case was possible because of the funding provided to the World Athletics Label Road Race Programme by many races such as the Chicago Marathon, athlete representatives, athletes and four contributing shoe brands, adidas, ASICS, On and Nike.”
