The World Women’s marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Intergrity Unit after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic and masking agent in March this year.
The 30-year-old Kenyan athlete voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation continues.
HCTZ is prohibited due to its potential to mask the use of performance-enhancing substances. Chepngetich made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, setting a world record with a time of 2 hours 09 minutes and 56 seconds, nearly two minutes faster than the previous mark.
She also won the marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. Chepngetich has the right to have her case heard before a disciplinary tribunal according to AIU Head Brett Clothier , although they have not announced a timeline for further disciplinary proceedings
