Running News Daily

Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent.

Chepngetich stunned the world on October 13, 2024, when she clocked a jaw-dropping 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon—becoming the first woman to run under 2 hours and 10 minutes. Her performance not only set a new world record but also marked a historic milestone in women’s distance running.

Now, that performance is under serious scrutiny.

According to the AIU, the Kenyan athlete’s positive test came from a sample collected on March 14, 2025. She was notified of the result in April and chose to voluntarily suspend herself on April 19, pending further investigation. The AIU formally charged her this week and imposed a provisional suspension effective immediately.

Hydrochlorothiazide is classified under WADA’s list of banned substances, not because it enhances performance directly, but because it can potentially mask the use of other performance-enhancing drugs.

Why are we learning about this now?

While Chepngetich was informed of the result and voluntarily suspended herself back in April, the AIU typically delays public announcements until formal charges are filed and due process is underway. That happened on July 17, triggering the widespread media coverage now surfacing.

Will her world record be annulled?

That remains to be seen. The AIU has not disqualified any of her past results yet, including the 2:09:56 mark from Chicago. However, if it’s determined that a banned substance or its masking agent was in her system during the time of the record-setting performance—or that it was part of a pattern of use—World Athletics may strip her of the title.

Until a ruling is made, Chepngetich remains provisionally suspended, and her world record is still recognized.

This case adds to the growing concerns surrounding transparency and anti-doping protocols in elite distance running. For now, the running world awaits the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.

Follow My Best Runs for the latest updates on this developing story and other breaking news from the world of road racing and track & field.