Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich

By Njoroge David

Women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been banned for three years after admitting to taking her housemaid’s medication that contained a banned diuretic.

On Thursday, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said the 31-year-old Kenyan athlete tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a prohibited substance often misused to conceal other drugs.

Her urine sample, collected on March 14, 2025, contained 3,800 nanograms per millilitre of HCTZ, far above the World Anti-Doping Agency’s reporting limit of 20 nanograms.

Chepng’etich, a three-time Chicago Marathon champion, initially failed to explain the result when interviewed in April.

However, during a follow-up interview on July 11, investigators confronted her with phone evidence suggesting possible intentional use. She denied doping.

Two weeks later, she changed her account, admitting she had taken her housemaid’s medication after feeling ill before the test without checking whether it was prohibited.

 She provided a photo of the blister pack showing it contained HCTZ.

While the AIU described her explanation as “hardly credible,” it ruled that her reckless use of another person’s medication amounted to indirect intent, warranting a standard four-year suspension.

 By admitting to the violation and accepting the sanction within 20 days, Chepng’etich earned a one-year reduction under the Early Admission and Acceptance provision.

“The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate suspicious material recovered from Chepng’etich’s phone to determine if other violations occurred,” said AIU Head Brett Clothier.

AIU Chair David Howman noted that the ruling underscored that no athlete is above the rules, praising the collective effort that funds anti-doping investigations.

“While disappointing for those who trusted this athlete, this is how the system is supposed to work,” noted Howman.

“The road-running industry deserves credit for supporting testing and investigations that protect clean sport.”

All Chepng’etich’s results and records before  March 14 2025 remain valid.

She had broken the women’s marathon world record in Chicago last year, clocking 2 hours, 9 minutes, 56 seconds.