BREAKING NEWS: Women’s World Marathon Record Holder Ruth Chepng’etich Banned From Athletics For 3 Years; Reason Revealed

World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been handed a three-year ban from athletics after admitting to breaking anti-doping rules. 

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) confirmed the decision in a statement released on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

According to the AIU, the 31-year-old Kenyan athlete tested positive for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a banned substance often used by athletes to hide traces of other performance-enhancing drugs. 

The test was carried out on March 14, 2025, and laboratory results showed the presence of the substance in her urine sample.

“Women’s marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been banned for three years after admitting to anti-doping rule violations regarding the presence and use of Hydrochlorothiazide,” the AIU said in its statement.