Kenyan marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich has been provisionally suspended on suspicion of doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced. Chepngetich, who shattered the women’s marathon world record with a time of 2hr 09min 56sec in Chicago last October, tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide on March 14 this year.
The AIU has issued a Notice of Charge and imposed a provisional suspension on the 30-year-old athlete, pending further investigation and a hearing by a disciplinary tribunal. “When there is a positive test for diuretics and masking agents, a provisional suspension is not mandatory under the World Anti-Doping Code,” explained Brett Clothier, head of the AIU.
The AIU’s decision comes after Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon in April, citing mental and physical unpreparedness. There has been no immediate response from the athlete regarding the doping allegations. The case will now be heard by a disciplinary tribunal, which will determine the outcome of Chepngetich’s provisional suspension.