Wamuzi News Ke
In a shocking development that has rocked the global athletics community, Kenya’s women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been formally banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) following an anti-doping violation.
The landmark verdict, announced on October 23, 2025, confirms that Chepngetich, 31, tested positive for the banned diuretic and masking agent hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in a sample collected on March 14 2025.
While her world record of 2:09:56 – set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon – remains officially valid (as it was established before the positive test), the sanction sends a dramatic signal that not even towering athletics icons are above scrutiny.
The Findings & Consequences.
According to the AIU dossier, the sample in question contained HCTZ at an estimated concentration of some 3,800 ng/mL — vastly exceeding the minimum reporting limit of 20 ng/mL under the World Anti-Doping Agency’s rules.
Investigators recovered suspicious phone data suggesting “reasonable suspicion” of intent rather than mere accidental ingestion. Messages and images linked to anabolic agents and communication with unidentified third parties were cited among the indicators.
The athlete initially offered no explanation when first interviewed on April 16, 2025. Only later did she claim on July 31 that she had fallen ill and “inadvertently” taken her housemaid’s medication, which turned out to contain HCTZ.
The AIU rejected the narrative as “reckless” and equivalent to indirect intent — a factor that would ordinarily trigger a four-year ban. Her acceptance of the sanction within 20 days earned her the one‐year reduction.
Impact for Kenyan Athletics & Global Marathon Scene.
The severity of the sanction lands a heavy blow on Kenya’s skid-free reputation in long-distance running. Chepngetich had emerged as one of the sport’s most dominant figures, her Chicago record reducing the previous mark by nearly two minutes and establishing her at the pinnacle of elite marathon competition. The ban ushers in serious implications:
Chepngetich is ineligible to compete or coach at any event authorised by World Athletics until the ban expires.Her results from March 14, 2025 onward have been disqualified.
Kenya’s governing body, Athletics Kenya, may face renewed pressure from international regulators to strengthen anti-doping oversight, testing regimes and athlete education.Sponsors, race organisers and fellow athletes will face questions about how a world-record performance came under suspicion.
