Introduction to the Incident

The marathon world record holder was temporarily suspended on suspicion of doping, it was announced on Thursday. The 30-year-old Kenyan hit the women’s marathon world record in Chicago in October with an amazing time of 2:09:56, two minutes faster than the previous record of Ethiopia’s Tigist Asefa (2:11:53).

Details of the Suspension

On March 14 of this year, however, she tested positively for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, which is prohibited because it can be used to hide traces of other prohibited substances. It can also be used to treat fluid retention and high blood pressure. According to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), Chepngetich was informed about the positive test on April 16 and agreed to a voluntary suspension three days later.

Reaction from the AIU

"If there is a positive test for diuretics and masking agents, a preliminary suspension after the global anti-doping code is not mandatory," said AIU boss Brett Clothier. "Chepngetich was not temporarily suspended by the AIU at the time of notification. On April 19, however, she decided on a voluntary preliminary suspension, while the examination of the AIU lasted."

Consequences and Investigation

In the past few months, the AIU continued its investigation and today gave an announcement and imposed its own preliminary suspension. In April, Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon and said that she was "not mentally or physically in the right place to drive my best". The AIU emphasized that Chepngetich has the right to hear her case from a disciplinary court.

Precedence of Doping Cases in Kenya

Chepngetich is not the first Kenyan runner to be banned in recent years. The former half-marathon world record holder of the men, Kibiwott Kandie, and the two-time Frankfurt marathon winner Brimin Misoi Kipkorir, who also attracts the attention of the anti-doping authorities.