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Female long-distance global champion the athlete has been banned for three years after the runner acknowledged doping infractions.

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

The athlete's accomplishments which occurred before that test - including her world record time of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds in Chicago in October 2024 - will remain valid.

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

However, the AIU will keep examining evidence from Chepngetich's mobile device which it found suggest "strong grounds that her failed test may have been deliberate" - including messages from as early as the year 2022.

"The case regarding the failed test for the substance has been resolved, but the unit will keep looking into the questionable evidence found on Chepngetich's device to determine if any further infractions have occurred."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When interviewed in April by the AIU, Chepngetich, the initial female to run a marathon in less than 2 hours 10 minutes, was unable to give an explanation for the failed test.

While HCTZ has a minimum reporting level of 20 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) in samples, the athlete's sample showed an estimated concentration of 3,800 ng/mL.

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

At a later interview on July 11, the record holder was shown the aforementioned questionable proof obtained from her mobile. In the meantime, accidental exposure had also been ruled out by the AIU.

Chepngetich altered her story on July 31, claiming that she had used her domestic worker's pills - marked as being the banned substance - after falling sick 48 hours prior to the positive test.

The unit had "major doubts about the reliability of the new version of events" and, in the context of the athletics' anti-doping regulations, such "carelessness" is considered "indirect intent, for which an increased four-year penalty applies".

An standard 12-month decrease was granted after Chepngetich confessed to the anti-doping rule violations within the 20 days required.

The three-year ban started on 19 April - when Chepngetich agreed to a temporary ban - with the competitor's performances, honors, championships, participation and earnings since 14 March lost.

"Nobody is exempt from regulations."

"While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the process is supposed to work."

"Marathon organizers should be praised for jointly supporting anti-doping efforts capable of revealing substance abuses performed by elite athletes in their events."