Ruth Chepngetich Suspended After Positive Drug Test for Banned Diuretic

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

Chepngetich made history in October 2024 when she became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier, clocking a record time of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon.

However, the AIU revealed that a sample collected on March 14 tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic commonly used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure.

According to the AIU, the banned substance was detected at a concentration of 3,800 ng/mL — well above the 20 ng/mL threshold considered negative.

Hydrochlorothiazide is listed as a “Specified Substance” under World Anti-Doping Agency rules and carries a standard ban of two years.

AIU Head Brett Clothier stated that Chepngetich was first notified in person on April 16. She voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension on April 19 while the investigation continued.

A formal Notice of Charge was issued on Thursday, along with an official suspension.

Chepngetich, a three-time Chicago Marathon winner and 2019 World Champion, now awaits a disciplinary hearing and retains the right to defend her case before a tribunal.

The AIU confirmed it will not provide further comment until the case is concluded.