World marathon record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been hit with a stunning three-year ban after admitting to using a banned substance, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Thursday, October 23.
The 31-year-old Kenyan running sensation tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic often misused to mask other prohibited drugs. Her positive sample, collected on March 14, revealed significant traces of the banned compound, leading to an AIU investigation.
The revelation has shocked the athletics world, tarnishing the reputation of one of Kenya’s most celebrated marathon champions.
Ruth Chepng’etich’s Doping Scandal Rocks Kenyan Athletics
According to the AIU, Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic commonly prescribed for medical conditions such as hypertension. However, in athletics, it is often misused to mask the presence of other prohibited substances, making it a substance of concern for doping authorities.
While HCTZ is not fully banned, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has strict limits on its allowable concentration in athletes’ samples. Exceeding these thresholds constitutes a doping violation.
Admission and Ban Duration
Chepng’etich’s admission to using the banned diuretic led to a reduction in the potential length of her ban, which could have extended to four years. However, under AIU regulations, voluntary admission typically results in a one-year reduction in the suspension period.
Her three-year ban means she will be ineligible to compete until March 2028, effectively ruling her out of major competitions, including the 2025 World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games.
A Major Blow to Kenyan Athletics
Chepng’etich’s suspension marks another blow to Kenya’s long-distance running reputation, which has faced increased scrutiny over doping violations. In recent years, several high-profile Kenyan athletes have been sanctioned, prompting renewed calls for stricter internal testing and athlete education.
Chepng’etich, who set the women’s half marathon world record in 2021 and remains one of the most dominant marathoners of her generation, now joins a growing list of elite athletes caught in doping scandals.
