Ruth Chepng'etich Accepts Ban After Taking Nanny's Medication Containing Banned Substance

Ruth Chepng’etich, the women’s marathon world record-holder and three-time Chicago Marathon champion, has been banned for three years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after admitting to Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) involving the banned diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

The 31-year-old Kenyan athlete accepted the charges following a positive urine sample collected on 14 March 2025, which triggered a thorough AIU investigation into the circumstances surrounding the test.

Diuretics like HCTZ are often abused to mask the presence of other prohibited substances in urine. While HCTZ can also appear as a contaminant in some pharmaceutical products, the AIU noted that Ruth Chepng’etich’s sample contained an estimated 3,800 ng/mL, far exceeding the minimum reporting limit of 20 ng/mL established by WADA.

When initially interviewed on April 16, 2025, Ruth Chepng’etich could not explain the positive test. Investigators collected detailed information on all supplements and medications she had taken, retained all available products for analysis, and even copied her mobile phone for review.

At a second interview on July 11, Ruth Chepng’etich was confronted with evidence from her phone that suggested the possibility of intentional use. Despite the scrutiny, she maintained she had never doped.

However, on July 31, Ruth Chepng’etich submitted a new explanation. She claimed to have fallen ill two days before the positive test and had taken her housemaid’s medication without verifying whether it contained banned substances. She provided a photo of the blister pack, which clearly identified HCTZ.

While the AIU considered this explanation hardly credible, under anti-doping rules, her reckless use of another person’s medication constitutes indirect intent, warranting a standard four-year sanction.

Ruth Chepng’etich admitted to the ADRVs and accepted the sanction within 20 days, resulting in an automatic one-year reduction under the Early Admission and Acceptance provision, bringing her ban down to three years.

“The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from Chepng’etich’s phone to determine if any other violations have occurred,” said AIU Head Brett Clothier.

“In the meantime, all Chepng’etich’s achievements and records pre-dating the 14 March 2025 sample stand.”

AIU Chair David Howman stressed that the case demonstrates that ‘nobody is above the rules’ and praised the anti-doping system for its thoroughness.

“While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is supposed to work. The road-running industry should be commended for collectively funding anti-doping efforts capable of uncovering violations committed by elite athletes,” he added.

“The level of testing and investigation carried out in this case was made possible through contributions from events such as the Chicago Marathon, athlete representatives, athletes themselves, and shoe brands including adidas, ASICS, On, and Nike.”

Ruth Chepng’etich’s ban underscores the AIU’s ongoing commitment to protecting the integrity of athletics and maintaining a level playing field for all competitors.