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Female long-distance global champion Ruth Chepngetich has been prohibited for three years after the runner acknowledged anti-doping infractions.

The record holder was temporarily banned in July following a failed test for Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) - a prohibited substance used commonly as a masking agent - on March 14.

Chepngetich's achievements which occurred before that sample - such as her global best time of 2:09:56 in the Chicago event in October 2024 - will still stand.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had requested a 48-month ban but the 31-year-old punishment was reduced to three years because she confessed to the infractions.

However, the AIU will keep examining evidence from the athlete's mobile device which it found suggest "strong grounds that her positive test may have been intentional" - featuring messages dating back to the year 2022.

"The case regarding the failed test for HCTZ has been resolved, but the AIU will continue to investigate the questionable evidence found on the runner's phone to determine if any further infractions have taken place."

'Nobody is above the rules'

When questioned in April by the AIU, Chepngetich, the initial female to complete a marathon in under 2:10, could not provide an explanation for the failed test.

While the substance has a minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL in urine, the athlete's test showed an estimated concentration of 3,800 ng/mL.

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

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

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

The unit had "serious reservations about the reliability of the new version of events" and, in the context of the sport's doping regulations, such "recklessness" is deemed "implied intention, for which an increased four-year sanction applies".

An standard 12-month decrease was applied after Chepngetich admitted the anti-doping breaches within the 20 days required.

The 36-month suspension commenced on April 19 - when Chepngetich agreed to a temporary ban - with the runner's performances, awards, championships, appearance and earnings from 14 March lost.

"Nobody is exempt from regulations."

"While disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is designed to operate."

"Marathon organizers should be praised for collectively funding doping prevention able to revealing substance abuses committed by top competitors in their races."