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Female long-distance world record-holder the athlete has been suspended for 36 months after the runner acknowledged doping infractions.

The record holder was temporarily banned in the seventh month following a failed test for a banned substance - a prohibited substance used commonly as a masking agent - on March 14.

Chepngetich's achievements which pre-date that sample - such as her world record time of 2:09:56 in Chicago in 2024 - will remain valid.

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

Nonetheless, the integrity unit will keep examining evidence from Chepngetich's mobile device which it found suggest "a reasonable suspicion that her failed test may have been deliberate" - including communications from as early as the year 2022.

"This matter regarding the failed test for HCTZ has been settled, but the unit will continue to investigate the suspicious material found on Chepngetich's phone to determine if any other violations have occurred."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When questioned in the fourth month 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 urine, Chepngetich's sample showed an approximate level of 3,800 ng/mL.

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

At a later interview on July 11, the record holder was shown the aforementioned suspicious evidence obtained from her mobile. Meanwhile, accidental exposure had also been disproven by the authority.

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

The unit had "major doubts about the credibility of the revised account" and, in the framework of the athletics' doping regulations, such "carelessness" is considered "indirect intent, for which an longer 48-month penalty is applicable".

An automatic one-year reduction was granted after the runner admitted the doping rule violations within the specified 20-day period.

The three-year ban commenced on April 19 - when Chepngetich agreed to a temporary ban - with the competitor's performances, awards, titles, appearance and prize money from 14 March forfeited.

"No one is exempt from regulations."

"Although disappointing for those who put their trust 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 committed by elite athletes in their events."