Ruth Chepngetich, the women’s marathon world record-holder, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced Thursday.
The Kenyan athlete tested positive in March for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a diuretic and masking agent often used to conceal performance-enhancing drugs. In response, she voluntarily accepted a provisional suspension while the AIU continues its investigation.
Chepngetich made headlines last October when she shattered the women’s marathon world record by nearly two minutes, finishing the Chicago Marathon in 2:09:56—her third victory at the event. She also won the marathon at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar, which was held at midnight due to extreme heat.
No timeline has been given for the next steps in her disciplinary process, but AIU official Brett Clothier confirmed she was interviewed in Kenya in April and cooperated fully with investigators.
