World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been provisionally suspended after a banned substance was found in her drug test.
Provisional Suspension for Banned Substance
Ruth Chepng’etich, a celebrated figure in marathon running, is now facing a provisional suspension from competition. This decision comes after the detection of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in a urine sample she provided.
HCTZ, commonly known as a “water pill,” functions as a diuretic. While it’s clinically used to manage fluid retention and high blood pressure, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) classifies it as an S5 substance under “diuretics and masking agents.” This categorization means it is strictly forbidden for athletes at all times.
A Record-Breaking Career Now Under Scrutiny
Chepng’etich made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, shattering the women’s world record. She became the first woman to complete the race in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, with a remarkable time of 2:09:56.
This unprecedented achievement now stands alongside her recent provisional suspension. Prior to her world record, Chepng’etich had already established herself as a dominant force, winning the world marathon title in Doha in 2019, and securing victories at the Chicago Marathon in both 2021 and 2022.
The Investigation Timeline
The positive test result originated from a urine sample collected on March 14, 2025. The 30-year-old Kenyan athlete was initially informed of the adverse finding in April.
According to Brett Clothier, Head of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), a provisional suspension is not always mandatory for diuretics under the World Anti-Doping Code. Chepng’etich, however, opted for a voluntary provisional suspension on April 19 while the AIU’s investigation proceeded.
The AIU continued its investigation over several months, leading to the recent issuance of a Notice of Charge and the imposition of its own provisional suspension. Chepng’etich retains the right to appeal this decision and have her case presented before a disciplinary tribunal.
Wider Concerns in Athletics
The sport of marathon running has unfortunately seen a rise in high-profile doping cases in recent years. Kenya, a nation globally recognized for its exceptional middle and long-distance runners, has been particularly impacted by these issues.
In a proactive move, Athletics Kenya announced in April 2023 that the government has committed significant financial support. A pledge of $5 million per year for five years has been made to strengthen the fight against doping within the athletic community.
- World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been provisionally suspended.
- The banned substance detected is Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic.
- Chepng’etich set the women’s world record of 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
- She voluntarily suspended herself in April before the AIU imposed its own suspension.
- This case highlights the ongoing challenges with doping in elite athletics, particularly in Kenya.
This development casts a shadow over one of the most significant achievements in recent marathon history, underscoring the persistent global battle against doping in professional sports.
