Shock in Athletics: Marathon Queen Ruth Chepngetich Suspended After Doping Scandal
Ruth Chepngetich, the Kenyan long-distance running star and women’s marathon world record holder, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed that the diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) was found in a sample collected from Chepngetich on March 14, 2025. HCTZ is often used as a masking agent, making it prohibited under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.
The announcement casts a shadow over the career of one of the most dominant figures in women’s marathon running. Chepngetich burst onto the global stage with her blistering pace and resilience, notably setting a world-best time of 1:04:02 in the half marathon in 2021, and later capturing global titles in the full marathon distance. Her performances had made her a standout among a new generation of elite Kenyan runners.
In April, Chepngetich unexpectedly pulled out of the 2025 London Marathon, citing mental and physical fatigue. At the time, she stated she was “not in the right place mentally or physically to give my best.” This withdrawal, now viewed in the context of her positive test just a month earlier, raises questions about whether the failed drug test played a role in her decision.
The provisional suspension means Chepngetich is barred from competition while the case is investigated further. If the anti-doping violation is upheld, she could face a multi-year ban, which would significantly impact her career and legacy. The Athletics Integrity Unit emphasized the importance of clean sport and reiterated its commitment to holding all athletes to the highest standards of integrity.
