Amid questions about 'Kenya's Doping problem' Ruth Chepng'etich finds support in Kenyan authorities post world record at the Chicago Marathon

Ruth Chepng'etich had the race of her life at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13. The Kenyan stormed to her third win at the major event, setting a new world record on the way. However, she was questioned about Kenya's doping problems immediately after her incredible performance, leading to Kenyan authorities expressing their support for the runner.

Chepng'etich had routinely excelled on the fast roads of Chicago, claiming wins in 2021 and 2022 and finishing second in 2023. On Sunday, the 30-year-old got her race off to a blazing start and was on a world-record pace from the beginning.

She crossed the finish line in 2:09:56 to eclipse Tigst Assefa's record of 2:11:53, becoming the first woman to surpass the two hours and ten minutes mark. Before this, Chepng'etich held a personal best of 2:14:18, set in the same race in 2022.

During the post-race conference after the Chicago Marathon, Ruth Chepng'etich was questioned by LetsRun's Robert Johnson about her response to people assuming she was doping, asking,

“Ruth, unfortunately in recent years there’s been a number of doping positives in Kenya. What would you say to someone who says when they see 2:09:56, ‘This is too good to be true. I have questions about it’. Some people may think that the time is too fast and you must be doping. What would you say to them?”

“You know people must talk but…people must talk so I don’t know,” Chepngetich replied.

As of July 2024, there are 91 Kenyan track and field athletes listed as banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit, ranking the nation first on the doping list ahead of India and Russia.

However, Johnson's line of questioning stirred up quite a controversy, and Ruth Chepng'etich now finds support in the Kenyan National Assembly. In a lengthy speech, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei defended the runner and demanded an apology, saying,

“The journalist’s reckless insinuation suggesting that Ruth Chepngetich’s world record time of 2 hours 9 minutes and 56 seconds is too good to be true and linking it to doping without evidence and is both unprofessional and disrespectful.”

“Honorable Speaker, the blanket accusations against Kenyan athletes, particularly in the light of Kenya’s long-standing reputation as a world leader in marathons are not only unfair but deeply harmful and therefore stereotyping Kenya as a nation plagued by doping. This discredits the immense talent and commitment and sacrifice of our athletes.”

“I urge the Cabinet secretary for sports Athletics Kenya and the Kenya anti-doping agency to stand up for our athletes and demand an immediate and unequivocal apology from Mr. Robert Johnson and others who have shamed our athletes and those who propagate false narratives and undermine the integrity of Athletics and our nation.”

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Athletics Kenya releases statement in support of Ruth Chepng'etich

Outside of the Kenyan National Assembly, Ruth Chepng'etich also received support from Athletics Kenya, the official national federation for the sport. In a lengthy statement, the authorities praised Chepng'etich’s ‘extraordinary career’ saying,

“Ruth Chepng'etich's ascent as a star in Kenya's athletics scene has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her World Championships win in 2019 to her consistent performance on the global stage over 5 years, she has set a high standard for others to follow. Her latest triumph is a continuation of this stellar career, despite missing the 2024 Paris Olympics games due to illness.”

The statement goes on to emphasize that the 30-year-old went through multiple Anti-Doping tests before and after her run, saying,

“In any case, many world records were broken this year, and to single her out is utterly unfair. It is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubt on her achievements. Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only her efforts but the integrity of the sport. It is important to note that Ruth, like all athletes in major competitions, underwent multiple anti-doping tests, both pre-race and post-race. These are standard procedures in events of this magnitude, and only after all results are verified will her record be officially ratified.”

Athletics Kenya also highlighted that the margin with which Chepng'etich broke the world record wasn't previously unheard of.

“Ruth Chepng'etich's achievement, while impressive, is not without precedent. Marathon records have been broken by even wider margins, affirming that her feat is well within the bounds of possibility for an athlete of her caliber.”

For her part, Ruth Chepng'etich hasn’t engaged in this discussion outside of the initial questions in the press conference.