Kenya’s governing body issued a strong statement in support of the 2019 world champion after her world record of 2:09:56.
Athletics Kenya has said it is “absolutely unfair” to “single out” Ruth Chepngetich.
In a lengthy statement, the governing body defended the 2019 world marathon champion, first congratulating the Kenyan on his marathon world record of 2:09:56 in Chicago, then adding that “the IDF and the world community respect Ruth. worthy and protects athletes from harassment.”
“Many world records have been broken this year and to single him out is completely unfair.” Athletics Kenya said. “It is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media unreasonably questioning his achievements. Such allegations, made without due process, undermine not only his 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 before and after the race.
“These are standard procedures for events of this magnitude and only after all the results have been verified will his record be officially validated. Ruth’s achievement, while impressive, was unprecedented. Marathon records were broken by even greater margins, confirming that his feat was well within the reach of an athlete of his stature.
“His consistent performance over the years is testament to his commitment and excellence in the sport. We call on the media and the world community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment. Let him celebrate this hard-earned victory and let’s recognize the years of hard work and discipline that have brought him to this point.
“Unfounded suspicions and unfair treatment have no place at this proud moment for Kenya and Ruth.”
Ruth Cepngetich (Getty)
At the Chicago Marathon, Czepngetic won an incredible third crown, the other two in 2021 and 2022, and became the first woman in history to run a sub-2:10 marathon.
In doing so, he shaved an astonishing one minute and 57 seconds off the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Tigist Assefa at last year’s Berlin Marathon.
Chepngetic made his intentions known early in Chicago, clocking 15:00 and 30:14 for the 5km and 10km respectively. His half marathon split was 64:16, which would be the fifth fastest time ever over 13.1 miles.
In 1:31:49 and 1:47:32 at the 30km and 35km marks respectively, Cepngetic, aided by the male pacers, crossed the line in 2:09:56.
“I feel so great, I’m proud of myself,” he said after winning in Chicago. “This is my dream that has come true. I fought a lot thinking about the world record and I achieved it.
Ruth Cepngetic wins in Doha (Mark Shearman)
Cepngetic, who became world marathon champion in Doha’s sweltering heat and humidity five years ago, is used to defying the odds.
When she won in Chicago in 2022, Czepngetic crossed the halfway mark in a brisk 65:44, 14 seconds off Brigid Kosgei’s world record of 2:14:04.
He was also born in Kericho, a town in Kenya’s Rift Valley, which has an altitude of 6,000 feet and is synonymous with long-distance runners.
However, Kenya is in the midst of a doping crisis, with the country’s athletes being banned by the athletics integrity unit on an almost weekly basis. Since 2015, approximately 300 Kenyans have served or are serving anti-doping suspensions.
Chepng’etich has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs or been found guilty of a doping violation.
His marathon world record will only be validated by World Athletics if they are satisfied that all the rules have been followed.
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