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Female long-distance world record-holder the athlete has been prohibited for three years after the runner confessed to doping infractions.

Chepngetich was provisionally suspended in the seventh month following a failed test for a banned substance - a banned diuretic used commonly as a masking agent - on 14 March.

Chepngetich's achievements which pre-date that test - including her global best time of 2:09:56 in the Chicago event in October 2024 - will remain valid.

The sports governing body had sought a four-year suspension but the runner's punishment was reduced to 36 months because she admitted to the violations.

Nonetheless, the AIU will continue to investigate evidence from Chepngetich's phone which it found suggest "strong grounds that her positive test may have been deliberate" - including messages dating back to the year 2022.

"This matter concerning 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 ascertain if any other violations have taken place."

'Nobody is above the rules'

When interviewed in the fourth month by the integrity body, Chepngetich, the initial female to complete a marathon in under 2:10, was unable to give an reason for the failed test.

Although HCTZ has a minimum reporting level of 20 ng/mL in samples, Chepngetich's sample showed an approximate level of 3,800 ng/mL.

Traces of the diuretic below the minimal reporting level were also identified in a test collected from Chepngetich two weeks earlier, on 28 February.

At a subsequent meeting on 11 July, the record holder was presented with the previously mentioned questionable proof acquired from her phone. Meanwhile, contamination had also been disproven by the AIU.

Chepngetich altered her story on July 31, stating that she had taken her domestic worker's pills - labeled as being HCTZ - after becoming ill 48 hours prior to the failed test.

The unit had "serious reservations about the credibility of the revised account" and, in the framework of the athletics' doping regulations, such "carelessness" is deemed "implied intention, for which an increased four-year sanction is applicable".

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

The three-year ban started on April 19 - when the athlete accepted a temporary ban - with the runner's performances, awards, titles, participation and prize money since 14 March lost.

"No one is exempt from regulations."

"While unfortunate for those who had faith in this runner, this is how the process is designed to operate."

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