Long-distance running Champion Chepngetich Handed 36-month Ban

Female long-distance global champion the athlete has been banned for 36 months after the runner acknowledged doping infractions.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in the seventh month following a failed test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - a prohibited substance often utilized as a masking agent - on 14 March.

The athlete's achievements which occurred before that sample - including her world record performance of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds in Chicago in October 2024 - will still stand.

The sports governing body had requested a four-year ban but the 31-year-old punishment was reduced to 36 months because she admitted to the violations.

Nonetheless, the AIU will continue to investigate proof from Chepngetich's phone which it found suggest "strong grounds that her failed test may have been intentional" - including communications from as early as the year 2022.

"The case concerning the failed test for HCTZ has been settled, but the unit will continue to investigate the questionable evidence found on the runner's device to determine if any other violations have taken place."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When questioned in April by the AIU, Chepngetich, the initial female to run a marathon in under 2:10, was unable to give an reason for the positive test.

While HCTZ has a minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL in urine, Chepngetich's sample showed an approximate level of 3,800 ng/mL.

Small amounts of HCTZ below the detection threshold were also found in a sample collected from Chepngetich 14 days prior, on February 28.

At a later interview on July 11, Chepngetich was shown the previously mentioned suspicious evidence obtained from her phone. In the meantime, accidental exposure had also been disproven by the AIU.

Chepngetich altered her story on 31 July, stating that she had taken her housemaid's medication - labeled as being the banned substance - after becoming ill two days before the failed test.

The AIU had "major doubts about the credibility of the revised account" and, in the framework of the athletics' doping rules, such "carelessness" is deemed "indirect intent, for which an longer 48-month sanction is applicable".

An standard 12-month decrease was applied after the runner admitted the doping breaches within the 20 days required.

The three-year ban started on April 19 - when the athlete accepted a temporary ban - with the runner's performances, honors, titles, appearance and earnings from 14 March lost.

"Nobody is exempt from regulations."

"Although unfortunate for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the process is designed to operate."

"Marathon organizers should be commended for jointly supporting anti-doping efforts capable of uncovering doping violations committed by top competitors in their races."