Ruth Chepngetich: Marathon World Record Holder Faces Provisional Suspension Over Positive Drug Test

Ruth Chepngetich, the world record-holder for the women’s marathon, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced this news.

In October 2024, Chepngetich made headlines when she completed the Chicago Marathon in 2:09:56, breaking the previous record by nearly two minutes. She became the first woman to finish a marathon under 2 hours and 10 minutes.

The AIU reported that she tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. This result came from a sample collected on March 14 and was reported to the AIU on April 3. While normal levels of Hydrochlorothiazide are below 20 ng/mL, her sample showed an astounding 3,800 ng/mL.

This substance is banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules and is classified as a “Specified Substance.” Athletes found with it can face a standard two-year suspension. In Chepngetich’s case, she chose a voluntary provisional suspension on April 19 while the investigation continued.

AIU head Brett Clothier explained that they informed her about the issue on April 16 and that a provisional suspension is not always mandatory for positive tests involving diuretics. Chepngetich has the right to have her case reviewed by a Disciplinary Tribunal.

This news has sparked conversations across social media. Some fans expressed disappointment, while others debated the integrity of competitive sports. According to a recent survey, nearly 58% of sports fans believe stricter measures should be taken against doping in athletics.

Historically, doping scandals have plagued sports, from the 1988 Olympic Games with Ben Johnson to the recent fallout involving high-profile athletes. The awareness around performance-enhancing drugs remains critical, and this incident emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced in ensuring clean competition.

Chepngetich is no stranger to success; she’s a three-time winner at the Chicago Marathon and claimed gold at the World Athletics Championships in 2019. As the investigation unfolds, the sports community will be watching closely.

For additional context on the effects of doping in athletics, check out this report from the World Anti-Doping Agency.

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