History-Making Runner Falls Under Suspicion
Ruth Chepngetich, the first woman to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, has been provisionally suspended for doping. The 30-year-old Kenyan, who broke the world record last year in Chicago with a stunning 2:09:56 finish, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide—a banned diuretic often used to mask other substances.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the result from a test conducted on March 14. Chepngetich voluntarily accepted a suspension in April after withdrawing from the London Marathon, citing mental and physical issues. The AIU continued investigating and formally issued a charge this month.
Chepngetich’s record-setting performance last October rocked the athletics world. Her time beat Paula Radcliffe’s long-standing 2003 mark by over five minutes and was eight minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. Commentators called the result “incomprehensible,” and some questioned whether it was too good to be true.
Only 22 British men had ever posted a faster marathon time, making her feat even more historic.
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Kenya’s Doping Crisis Deepens
This latest incident adds to the growing concern over doping among Kenyan athletes. Hundreds have faced bans in the past decade. Still, Athletics Kenya criticized what it called a “rush to judgment” against Chepngetich, pointing out that she passed several pre- and post-race doping tests during major competitions.
“She deserves due process,” read a statement from the national body. “Singling her out without full evidence undermines both her achievements and the integrity of the sport.”
Despite the initial suspension, Chepngetich has not yet received a final judgment. She retains the right to defend herself before a disciplinary tribunal. Meanwhile, fans and fellow runners are left wondering if her world-shaking performance will be forever tainted by doubt.
Her case may become a defining moment in the fight for clean sport, highlighting both the triumphs and the risks that come with chasing greatness.
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