July 17, 2025 — The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich following an adverse analytical finding from a doping test conducted on March 14, 2025.

According to the official statement released today by the AIU, the Kenyan athlete tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic commonly used as a masking agent. Her urine sample showed an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL, a notably high level for this substance.

Ongoing investigation

The AIU was informed of the positive result on April 3 and interviewed Chepngetich in person in Kenya on April 16. Two days later, she withdrew from the London Marathon, stating she was not in the right physical or mental condition to compete.

AIU Director Brett Clothier explained:

“When an athlete tests positive for diuretics and masking agents, a provisional suspension is not mandatory under the World Anti-Doping Code. However, on April 19, Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension while the AIU continued its investigation.”

A formal Notice of Charge and official provisional suspension were issued today, and the athlete is entitled to have her case heard before a disciplinary tribunal.

What is hydrochlorothiazide?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic medication commonly used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention. However, it is prohibited in sports because it can dilute urine and make it more difficult to detect other banned substances, such as anabolic steroids. While it does not directly enhance performance, it is considered a masking agent.

World record under scrutiny

This case has major implications for long-distance running, as Chepngetich is the current women’s marathon world record holder, having clocked 2:09:56 last year at the Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to run under 2 hours and 10 minutes. You can revisit that historic race in our report on the 2024 Chicago Marathon results.

The future of her record and recent achievements may be affected depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Official source:

AIU Press Release (PDF)

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