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Women's marathon world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been banned for three years after the runner admitted to anti-doping infractions.

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

Chepngetich's accomplishments which pre-date that test - such as her world record performance of 2:09:56 in the Chicago event in 2024 - will still stand.

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

However, the integrity unit will continue to investigate evidence from the athlete's phone which it found suggest "strong grounds that her failed test may have been deliberate" - including messages dating back to the year 2022.

"The case regarding the positive test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will keep looking into the questionable evidence found on Chepngetich's device to determine if any other violations have occurred."

'Nobody is above the rules'

When questioned in the fourth month by the integrity body, the marathoner, the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10, could not provide an explanation for the failed test.

Although HCTZ has a minimum reporting level of 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) in urine, the athlete's test showed an estimated concentration of 3800 ng/mL.

Traces of HCTZ below the minimal reporting level were also identified in a sample collected from Chepngetich 14 days prior, on 28 February.

At a later interview on 11 July, Chepngetich was shown the previously mentioned questionable proof obtained from her mobile. Meanwhile, contamination had also been ruled out by the authority.

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

The unit had "major doubts about the credibility of the new version of events" and, in the framework of the sport's doping rules, such "recklessness" is considered "implied intention, for which an increased four-year penalty is applicable".

An standard 12-month decrease was applied after the runner confessed to the anti-doping breaches inside the 20 days required.

The three-year ban started on 19 April - when Chepngetich agreed to a voluntary provisional suspension - with the runner's results, honors, championships, appearance and earnings since March 14 forfeited.

"No one is above the rules."

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

"Marathon organizers should be commended for jointly supporting anti-doping efforts able to uncovering substance abuses performed by top competitors in their races."