Shock as World Marathon Record Holder Ruth Chepngetich Handed 3-Year Ban — Reason Leaves Fans Speechless

World marathon record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been handed a three-year ban after admitting to anti-doping rule violations, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed on Thursday, October 23.

According to AIU, the 31-year-old athlete tested positive for the banned diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in a sample collected on March 14, 2025. The investigation revealed concentrations of the prohibited substance in her urine sample.

 “Women’s marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, has been banned for three years after admitting to Anti-Doping Rule Violations regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ),” AIU stated.

Hydrochlorothiazide, a medication used for treating high blood pressure, is often abused by athletes in large doses to mask the presence of other banned substances. 

Although not completely banned, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) strictly limits its use in professional athletics.

Chepngetich was interviewed by AIU in April 2025 but was unable to explain how the substance appeared in her system. Investigators later seized her supplements, medication, and phone for further analysis — but all samples tested negative for other prohibited drugs.

However, in a follow-up interview in July, evidence from her phone raised further suspicions, although she maintained her innocence.

The marathon star later changed her story, claiming she might have taken her domestic manager’s medication two days before testing positive, unaware it contained a banned substance.

The AIU dismissed her explanation as reckless and determined that it demonstrated “indirect intent to dope,” which initially warranted a four-year ban.

Because Chepngetich admitted fault early and agreed to the sanctions, her suspension was reduced to three years.

Chepngetich recently made history after winning the Chicago Marathon for the third consecutive time, breaking the world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopian Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

Her ban marks a stunning fall from grace for one of Kenya’s most celebrated athletes.