Long-distance running Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich Handed Three-Year Ban

Female long-distance world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been suspended for three years after the runner confessed to doping rule violations.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in July following a failed test for a banned substance - a banned diuretic often utilized as a masking agent - on 14 March.

The athlete's accomplishments which occurred before that test - such as her world record performance of 2:09:56 in Chicago in 2024 - will remain valid.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had requested a 48-month ban but the runner's punishment was reduced to 36 months because she confessed to the infractions.

However, the integrity unit will continue to investigate proof from the athlete's mobile device which it found indicate "a reasonable suspicion that her positive test may have been intentional" - including messages dating back to 2022.

"This matter concerning the positive test for HCTZ has been settled, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material found on Chepngetich's phone to ascertain if any other violations have occurred."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When interviewed in the fourth month by the integrity body, Chepngetich, the initial female to complete a marathon in less than 2 hours 10 minutes, was unable to give an reason for the failed test.

Although HCTZ has a lowest detectable limit of 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) in samples, Chepngetich's sample showed an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL.

Traces of the diuretic under the minimal reporting level were also found in a test taken from Chepngetich 14 days prior, on February 28.

At a subsequent meeting on July 11, Chepngetich was shown the previously mentioned questionable proof obtained from her mobile. In the meantime, accidental exposure had also been disproven by the authority.

Chepngetich changed her explanation on July 31, claiming that she had used her housemaid's medication - marked as being HCTZ - after becoming ill 48 hours prior to the failed test.

The unit had "serious reservations about the reliability of the revised account" and, in the framework of the sport's anti-doping rules, such "carelessness" is deemed "indirect intent, for which an longer 48-month penalty applies".

An standard 12-month decrease was granted after Chepngetich confessed to the anti-doping breaches within the 20 days required.

The 36-month suspension started on April 19 - when the athlete agreed to a voluntary provisional suspension - with the runner's performances, awards, championships, participation and earnings since 14 March forfeited.

"Nobody is exempt from regulations."

"Although disappointing for those who had faith in this athlete, this is how the system is designed to operate."

"Marathon organizers should be commended for collectively funding doping prevention able to revealing substance abuses performed by top competitors in their events."