Massive blow as Kenyan marathon record holder is suspended for doping

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended marathon world record-holder, Ruth Chepng'etich, for the Presence and Use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) relating to a sample collected from her on Friday, 14 March this year.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Cheng'etich, 30, was detected to have used the prohibited substance - a diuretic - following an investigation into the aforementioned positive test reported to the AIU on Thursday, 3 April this year.

It is reported that the 2019 World Championships gold medalist had an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL of the diuretic in her urine, which is approximately 190 times more than its minimum reporting level.

Omanyala's brother eyeing glory at World University Games

Chronology of events after positive test

Presenting a brief chronology of this case, AIU Head Brett Clothier revealed Chepng'etich was notified and interviewed in person by the AIU in Kenya on 16 April and complied with requests regarding their investigation.

In accordance to the World Anti-Doping Code, a positive test for diuretic - which is what Chepng'etich had tested for - and masking agents, did not deem a provisional suspension mandatory, but the three-time Chicago marathon champion, after AIU gave her no suspension, opted for one voluntarily on 19 April.

"On 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing,” explained Clothier.

In the intervening months, Clothier explained that the AIU continued its investigations, before issuing Chepng'etich a Notice of Charge and its own provisional suspension on Wednesday.

What is Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

As per AIU's definition, HCTZ is a diuretic, used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension.

Under the WADA Code, it is a class S5 Prohibited Substance (Diuretics and Masking Agents), prohibited at all times and a Specified Substance.

Diuretics may be abused to mask the presence in urine of other Prohibited Substances.

"Apologize? For what?": Journalist unapologetic for doping-related questions to Ruth Chepng’etich

What next?

Chepng'etich, at the moment, remains under provisional suspension, which means she is suspended temporarily from participating in any competition or activity in Athletics, prior to a final decision at a hearing conducted under the World Athletics Anti-Doping Rules, or the Integrity Code of Conduct.

Remembering Kenya's maiden World Championships steeplechase clean sweep in 1997

As for what punishment she could face if guilty, the WADA Code says that the specified substance has a standard sanction of two (2) years’ ineligibility, but that is subject to possible reduction or increase, in accordance with WADA Code provisions.

Analysis

The announcement by AIU comes as a big shock to the athletics scene, as it is only nine months after Chepng'etich did what was unthinkable - running a women's full marathon under 2:10.

On 13 October 2024 at the Chicago Marathon, Chepng'etich set the new women's world record with a time of 2:09:56, which broke the previous record held by Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa by almost two minutes.

The aftermath of that performance was met with pointed eyes in her direction, with many crediting her for her feat, which came on her fourth serious attempt at a world record, while others sensed something fishy.

Athletics Kenya defend marathon record breaker Ruth Chepng’etich after unwarranted doping allegations

After the race, Chepng'etich batted off questions regarding any doubts on her new time, and the Kenyan National Assembly, plus Athletics Kenya, rallied behind the Kenyan when she jetted back to the country.

Chepngetich threw some red flags earlier this year when she revealed to Mozzart Sport that her training had "not been smooth", before surprisingly dropping out of this year's London Marathon on 18 April.

Why Chepngetich, Jepchirchir withdrew from London Marathon

Her explanation then was that she was "not in the right place mentally or physically" to race to her best, and it is now evident why.

This case will undoubtedly attract interest worldwide, and goes down in a list of standout Kenyan marathon athletes to have tested positive for doping.

Kenya remains in Category A of countries that are susceptible and experience rampant doping, and this case will do little to help in clearing that situation.