Kenyan marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following the detection of a banned substance in her system.
According to a statement released by the AIU on Thursday, a sample collected from Chepngetich on March 14 tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic prohibited under anti-doping regulations.
HCTZ is typically used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure but can also be misused to mask the presence of other banned substances.
Initially, the AIU did not impose a provisional suspension after notifying the athlete of the positive result. However, on April 19, Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension while investigations continued.
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” said AIU head Brett Clothier.
Chepngetich made headlines in October last year when she shattered the women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, clocking an unprecedented time of 2:09:56 and becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier.
She later withdrew from the 2024 London Marathon, citing mental and physical unpreparedness at the time.
