Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich – who famously broke 2:10 barrier in October in Chicago – provisionally suspended after positive drug test
Chepngetich tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide in an out-of-competition test in March
By Jonathan Gault(Update: We have a longer and newer article on the drug bust here: Women’s marathon WR holder Ruth Chepngetich provisionally suspended: what to know and where does the sport go from here? )
Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide at an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL in urine. In October, the 30-year-old Chepngetich shocked the world and became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier, running 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon to take almost two minutes off the women’s world record.
Chepngetich’s positive test stems from an out-of-competition test conducted on March 14, 2025. The AIU began investigating the positive test in April, and said Chepngetich accepted a voluntarly provisional suspension on April 19. Chepngetich had been scheduled to race the London Marathon on April 27.
Chepngetich at the 2024 Chicago Marathon (Kevin Morris photo)
“When there is a positive test for diuretics and masking agents, a provisional suspension is not mandatory under the World Anti-Doping Code,” said AIU Head Brett Clothier. “Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification, however, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing.”
After continuing its investigation, the AIU imposed its own provisional suspension on Thursday and charged Chepngetich with an anti-doping rules violation.
Chepngetich is one of the most decorated female marathoners of the modern era, winning the Chicago Marathon three times (2021, 2022, and 2024) in addition to the 2019 World Championships in Doha.
Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as HCTZ, is a diuretic banned under the WADA Code because it can be used to mask other prohibited substances in urine samples. Because HCTZ is a specified substance under the WADA Code, Chepgnetich would be suspended for two years if her suspension is confirmed, as compared to four years for a performance-enhancing substance such as EPO.
This is a flash article. Much more to come. Talk about her positive test on the world famous messageboard:
*Breaking: Marathon world record Ruth Chepngetich has tested positive – Will Kenya’s Parliament apologize to yours truly?
*2024: Kenyan parliament is currently discussing my questions of Ruth Chepngetich & are demanding that I apologize
