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Female long-distance world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich has been prohibited for three years after the runner admitted to anti-doping infractions.

Chepngetich was temporarily banned in July following a positive test for a banned substance - a banned diuretic used commonly as a concealing drug - on 14 March.

Chepngetich's accomplishments which pre-date that test - including her global best performance of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds in Chicago in 2024 - will remain valid.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) had requested a four-year suspension but the runner's punishment was reduced to three years because she admitted to the violations.

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

"This matter concerning the failed test for HCTZ has been settled, but the AIU will keep looking into the suspicious material found on the runner's device to ascertain if any further infractions have taken place."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

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

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

Traces of HCTZ below the detection threshold were also identified in a test taken from Chepngetich two weeks earlier, on February 28.

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

Chepngetich altered her story on 31 July, claiming that she had taken her housemaid's pills - marked as being the banned substance - after falling sick two days before 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 rules, such "recklessness" is deemed "implied intention, for which an increased four-year penalty is applicable".

An standard 12-month decrease was granted after the runner confessed to the anti-doping rule violations within the specified 20-day period.

The three-year ban started on April 19 - when the athlete agreed to a temporary ban - with the competitor's results, honors, titles, appearance and earnings since 14 March lost.

"Nobody is above the rules."

"Although disappointing for those who had faith in this athlete, this is how the process is designed to operate."

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