Marathon Record Holder Chepngetich Handed Three-Year Suspension

Female long-distance world record-holder the athlete has been banned for three years after the runner acknowledged doping infractions.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in July following a failed test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - a banned diuretic often utilized as a concealing drug - on 14 March.

Chepngetich's accomplishments which pre-date that test - including her world record performance of 2:09:56 in the Chicago event in October 2024 - will still stand.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had requested a 48-month ban but the 31-year-old penalty was reduced to 36 months because she confessed to the violations.

Nonetheless, the AIU will continue to investigate proof from Chepngetich's phone which it found indicate "strong grounds that her positive test may have been deliberate" - featuring communications dating back to the year 2022.

"This matter concerning the failed test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the questionable evidence recovered from the runner's phone to ascertain if any other violations have taken place."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When questioned in the fourth month by the AIU, Chepngetich, the initial female to complete a marathon in under 2:10, could not provide an reason for the positive test.

While the substance has a minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL in urine, the athlete's test showed an approximate level of 3,800 ng/mL.

Traces of the diuretic below the minimal reporting level were also identified in a sample collected from the runner 14 days prior, on February 28.

At a later interview on July 11, Chepngetich was shown the previously mentioned questionable proof obtained from her mobile. Meanwhile, accidental exposure had also been disproven by the authority.

The athlete altered her story on 31 July, stating that she had taken her housemaid's medication - labeled as being HCTZ - after becoming ill 48 hours prior to the failed test.

The AIU had "major doubts about the credibility of the new version of events" and, in the context of the athletics' anti-doping regulations, such "recklessness" is considered "implied intention, for which an longer 48-month penalty is applicable".

An automatic one-year reduction was granted after Chepngetich confessed to the anti-doping breaches within the 20 days required.

The 36-month suspension commenced on April 19 - when the athlete agreed to a temporary ban - with the runner's results, awards, titles, participation and earnings since 14 March forfeited.

"No one is exempt from regulations."

"While disappointing for those who had faith in this runner, this is how the system is supposed to work."

"Marathon organizers should be commended for collectively funding doping prevention able to uncovering doping violations committed by top competitors in their events."