- Ruth Chepngetich was suspended by the AIU on Thursday, July 17, 2025 after her sample tested positive for the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
- The AIU has disclosed that the sample collected from Chepngetich had a concentration of 3800 ng/mL in urine.
- Chepngetich set the current marathon world record of 2:09.56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Ruth Chepngetich, the current full marathon world record holder, has been slapped with a suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).
The news, which broke on Thursday evening, July 17, 2025, has shocked many of Chepngetich fans.
Why could a proven winner and experienced runner like Chepngetich face suspension? That is one of the many questions lingering in the minds of most athletics stakeholders at the moment.
Here is everything you need to know concerning the suspension of one of the best female road race runners in the history of the sport.
Why the AIU has suspended Ruth Chepngetich
According to the AIU, Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended due to the presence of Hydrochlorothiazide in her samples.
“The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, for the Presence and Use of Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) relating to a sample collected from her on March 14 this year.
A notice of Charge has been issued against Chepngetich regarding the detection of the Prohibited Substance – a diuretic – following an investigation into the Kenyan athlete’s positive test which was reported to the AIU on 3 April this year, at an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL in urine,” the communique read in part.
HCTZ belongs to the thiazide diuretics class and it is commonly known as “water pills”.
It is usually prescribed as a medication in medical facilities to treat conditions such as Edema, and high blood pressure.
As stated by the AIU, HCTZ is a prohibited substance under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code which can be used to mask the presence of a prohibited substance in urine.
The body adds that any sample provided by an athlete that has a concentration of below 20 ng/mL is usually reported as negative.
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In this case, the sample collected from Chepngetich had an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL, the reason for her suspension.
The AIU also revealed that its officials interviewed Chepngetich earlier this year where she voluntarily decided to suspend herself from competitive racing while the investigations were ongoing.
The one-time marathon world champion will have a chance to defend herself before the disciplinary tribunal.
Who is Ruth Chepngetich?
Chepngetich is a Kenyan runner who has won several road races at individual and international level.
The 30-year-old set the current marathon world record of 2:09.56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Besides winning the 2024 Chicago Marathon, Chepngetich also clinched the coveted title in 2021 and 2022. She finished third at the same event in 2023.
At international level, Chepngetich won a gold medal for Kenya at the 2019 World Athletics Championships that was held in Doha, Qatar.
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