Chepngetich retains women’s marathon world record despite three-year ban

Ruth Chepngetich, Kenya's women's marathon world record holder, has been banned for three years after admitting to anti-doping rule violations. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) provisionally suspended her in July 2025 after a urine sample collected on March 14 revealed the presence of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension. Chepngetich initially denied any wrongdoing, but later changed her explanation, stating she had unknowingly taken her housemaid's medication while ill. The AIU applied a four-year sanction but reduced it to three years due to her early admission. Her achievements and records pre-dating the positive test will remain on record. The AIU will continue to investigate suspicious material recovered from Chepngetich's phone for potential further violations.

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