Kenyan marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned diuretic and masking agent.
According to the AIU, Chepng’etich’s urine sample, collected on March 14, 2025, showed a concentration of 3,800 nanograms per millilitre of HCTZ—well above the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) minimum reporting threshold of 20 ng/mL. The results were confirmed on April 3.
Following the finding, Chepng’etich was informed and interviewed by AIU officials in Kenya on April 16. Although a provisional suspension is not automatically required for this substance under the World Anti-Doping Code, the 30-year-old voluntarily accepted a suspension on April 19 while investigations progressed.
“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension,” AIU Head Brett Clothier stated.
He added that Chepng’etich retains the right to have her case heard before a Disciplinary Tribunal and that no further comments will be made until proceedings are complete.
HCTZ, while commonly prescribed to manage hypertension and fluid retention, falls under WADA’s S5 category of banned substances due to its potential to conceal the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Athletes found guilty of using it typically face a two-year suspension, though the penalty can vary depending on the circumstances.
Chepng’etich, who holds the women’s world marathon record and is a former world champion, now faces a pivotal battle to clear her name and preserve her legacy in the sport.
