Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended for a doping violation, according to a statement released by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) on Thursday evening.
The AIU announced that Chepngetich tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic and masking agent, following a sample collected on March 14, 2025. The substance was detected in her urine at an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL, well above the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) reporting threshold of 20 ng/mL.
Hydrochlorothiazide, classified under WADA’s S5 category of Diuretics and Masking Agents, is prohibited at all times. While commonly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention, it can also be misused to hide the presence of other performance-enhancing drugs.
Voluntary Suspension Before AIU Charge
AIU Head Brett Clothier clarified the timeline of events, stating that although a provisional suspension is not mandatory under WADA rules for diuretics, Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on April 19 while the AIU continued its investigation.
“Ruth Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification,” Clothier said.
“However, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing. Today, the AIU has issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension.”
Clothier emphasized that Chepngetich has cooperated with the investigation and retains the right to a hearing before a Disciplinary Tribunal. He noted that the AIU would make no further comment until the case is concluded.
A Record-Breaking Career Now Under Scrutiny
Chepngetich’s suspension comes just months after her record-shattering victory at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where she ran an unprecedented 2:09:56 to become the first woman in history to break both the 2:11 and 2:10 barriers. Her performance obliterated the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
The 2019 World Marathon Champion from Doha has enjoyed a glittering career, including three Chicago Marathon titles (2021, 2022, and 2024). Her 2022 winning time of 2:14:18 had been the second-fastest in history at the time, narrowly missing Brigid Kosgei’s 2019 record.
She also ranks sixth on the all-time half marathon list, thanks to her 1:04:02 clocking at the 2021 Istanbul Half Marathon.
Despite her dominance on the road, Chepngetich’s achievements have not been without controversy. Doping speculation followed her Chicago triumph, though she strongly denied any wrongdoing. The latest developments now cast a shadow over her accomplishments.
As the case proceeds, the athletics world watches closely, awaiting a final verdict from the Disciplinary Tribunal, a decision that could have major implications for the history books and the credibility of women’s marathon running.
