Ruth Chepngetich, the reigning women's marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for a banned substance. The substance in question, hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), was detected in a sample collected from the Kenyan athlete on 14 March 2025.

Chepngetich, 30, made headlines in October 2024 when she shattered the world record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing with a remarkable time of 2:09:56. This performance surpassed the previous record set by Ethiopian runner Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon by nearly two minutes.

The Doping Scandal

HCTZ, a diuretic commonly used to treat fluid retention and hypertension, is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code. It is often used as a masking agent to conceal the presence of other banned substances. The minimum reporting level for HCTZ in urine is 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL), but Chepngetich's sample showed an alarming 3,800 ng/mL.

Timeline of Events

• 14 March 2025: Sample collected from Chepngetich tests positive for HCTZ.
• 16 April 2025: AIU notifies Chepngetich of the positive test but does not impose a provisional suspension.
• 19 April 2025: Chepngetich opts for a voluntary provisional suspension pending further investigation.
• 17 July 2025: AIU issues a notice of charge and imposes its own provisional suspension.

AIU's Statement

Brett Clothier, head of the AIU, stated, "In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a notice of charge and imposed its own provisional suspension." The investigation is ongoing, and Chepngetich's future in athletics remains uncertain.

Implications for Athletics

This scandal has sent shockwaves through the world of athletics, raising questions about the prevalence of doping in long-distance running. Chepngetich's suspension is a stark reminder of the rigorous anti-doping measures in place and the consequences of violating these rules.

As the investigation unfolds, the athletics community awaits further developments, hoping for clarity and justice in this high-profile case.