World record holder Ruth Chepng’etich faces ban after failed doping test
Kenyan marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic and masking agent.
The AIU confirmed that the substance was detected in a urine sample collected from Chepng’etich on 14 March 2025. The findings, reported on 3 April, showed an estimated concentration of 3,800 nanograms per millilitre - well above the minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Following the positive test, Chepng’etich was notified and interviewed by AIU officials in Kenya on 16 April. Although a provisional suspension is not mandatory for such substances under the World Anti-Doping Code, the 30-year-old athlete opted to accept a voluntary suspension on 19 April as investigations continued.
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” AIU Head Brett Clothier said.
Clothier added that Chepng’etich retains the right to have her case heard before a Disciplinary Tribunal and the AIU will not make further comments until proceedings are concluded.
HCTZ is commonly used in medicine to treat hypertension and fluid retention, but is classified under WADA’s S5 category of prohibited substances due to its potential to mask the presence of other banned drugs. The standard sanction for its use is a two-year ban, though that may be reduced or increased depending on the circumstances of the case.
Chepng’etich, a former world marathon champion and the current world record-holder for the women’s marathon, now faces a critical battle off the track as she seeks to defend her name and career.
The AIU confirmed that the substance was detected in a urine sample collected from Chepng’etich on 14 March 2025. The findings, reported on 3 April, showed an estimated concentration of 3,800 nanograms per millilitre - well above the minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Following the positive test, Chepng’etich was notified and interviewed by AIU officials in Kenya on 16 April. Although a provisional suspension is not mandatory for such substances under the World Anti-Doping Code, the 30-year-old athlete opted to accept a voluntary suspension on 19 April as investigations continued.
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” AIU Head Brett Clothier said.
Clothier added that Chepng’etich retains the right to have her case heard before a Disciplinary Tribunal and the AIU will not make further comments until proceedings are concluded.
HCTZ is commonly used in medicine to treat hypertension and fluid retention, but is classified under WADA’s S5 category of prohibited substances due to its potential to mask the presence of other banned drugs. The standard sanction for its use is a two-year ban, though that may be reduced or increased depending on the circumstances of the case.
Chepng’etich, a former world marathon champion and the current world record-holder for the women’s marathon, now faces a critical battle off the track as she seeks to defend her name and career.
Athletics Integrity Unit
WADA
AIU
Ruth Chepngetich
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