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Female long-distance global champion Ruth Chepngetich has been suspended for three years after the runner confessed to doping infractions.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in July following a failed test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - a prohibited substance used commonly as a concealing drug - on March 14.

Chepngetich's achievements which occurred before that test - such as her world record time of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds in Chicago in 2024 - will remain valid.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had requested a 48-month ban but the runner's penalty was lowered to 36 months because she admitted to the infractions.

Nonetheless, the AIU will continue to investigate proof from the athlete's phone which it found indicate "a reasonable suspicion that her failed test may have been intentional" - including messages from as early as 2022.

"This matter concerning the failed test for the substance has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material recovered from the runner's phone to ascertain if any further infractions have occurred."

'Nobody is above the rules'

When interviewed in the fourth month by the AIU, the marathoner, the initial female to run a marathon in less than 2 hours 10 minutes, could not provide an explanation for the failed test.

Although HCTZ has a lowest detectable limit of 20 ng/mL in urine, the athlete's sample showed an approximate level of 3,800 ng/mL.

Small amounts of HCTZ under the minimal reporting level were also found in a test taken from the runner 14 days prior, on February 28.

At a later interview on 11 July, Chepngetich was presented with the previously mentioned questionable proof acquired from her mobile. In the meantime, contamination had also been ruled out by the authority.

Chepngetich altered her story on 31 July, stating that she had used her housemaid's medication - marked as being HCTZ - after falling sick 48 hours prior to the failed test.

The AIU had "major doubts about the reliability of the revised account" and, in the context of the sport's anti-doping rules, such "carelessness" is considered "implied intention, for which an longer 48-month sanction applies".

An automatic one-year reduction was applied after Chepngetich confessed to the doping rule violations inside the 20 days required.

The 36-month suspension commenced on April 19 - when the athlete accepted a voluntary provisional suspension - with the competitor's performances, honors, championships, appearance and prize money since March 14 forfeited.

"Nobody is above the rules."

"While disappointing for those who had faith in this runner, this is how the process is supposed to work."

"Marathon organizers should be praised for collectively funding anti-doping efforts able to uncovering doping violations performed by elite athletes in their events."