Marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich suspended over doping violation

Kenyan marathon star Ruth Chepngetich, the women's world record-holder, has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned diuretic and masking agent, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Thursday.Chepngetich, 30, tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - a substance often used to mask performance-enhancing drugs - in March. Although not automatically triggering a suspension under World Anti-Doping Code, she opted for a voluntary provisional ban in April while the AIU continued its investigation.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended at the time of notification. However, on April 19, she opted for a voluntary suspension,” said AIU head Brett Clothier. “The AIU has now issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension.”Chepngetich stunned the athletics world last October when she shattered the women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, clocking 2:09:56, nearly two minutes faster than the previous best. It was her third Chicago title and confirmed her status as one of the sport’s elite distance runners.She previously won gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where the marathon was controversially held at midnight due to extreme heat.The AIU has not provided a timetable for her disciplinary hearing.