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Female long-distance global champion the athlete has been banned for 36 months after the runner confessed to anti-doping infractions.

The record holder was temporarily banned in the seventh month following a positive 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 - including her global best time of two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds in the Chicago event in 2024 - will remain valid.

The sports governing body had requested a 48-month suspension but the runner's punishment was lowered to 36 months because she confessed to the violations.

However, the integrity unit will continue to investigate evidence from the athlete's phone which it found suggest "a reasonable suspicion that her failed test may have been intentional" - including messages from as early as the year 2022.

"This matter regarding the positive test for the substance has been settled, but the AIU will continue to investigate the suspicious material found on the runner's device to determine if any further infractions have taken place."

'No one is exempt from regulations'

When questioned in the fourth month by the integrity body, the marathoner, the initial female to run a marathon in less than 2 hours 10 minutes, was unable to give an reason for the positive test.

While HCTZ has a lowest detectable limit of 20 ng/mL in urine, Chepngetich's sample showed an estimated concentration of 3,800 ng/mL.

Small amounts of HCTZ under the minimal reporting level were also identified in a test collected from the runner 14 days prior, on 28 February.

At a later interview on 11 July, Chepngetich was shown the previously mentioned questionable proof obtained from her mobile. Meanwhile, contamination had also been ruled out by the authority.

Chepngetich changed her explanation on July 31, stating that she had taken her housemaid's pills - labeled as being HCTZ - after falling sick 48 hours prior to the positive test.

The unit had "serious reservations about the credibility of the new version of events" and, in the context of the athletics' anti-doping rules, such "recklessness" is deemed "indirect intent, for which an longer 48-month sanction applies".

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

The three-year ban started on 19 April - when Chepngetich accepted a temporary ban - with the competitor's performances, awards, championships, participation and prize money since 14 March forfeited.

"Nobody is above the rules."

"Although disappointing for those who put their trust in this athlete, this is how the system is designed to operate."

"Marathon organizers should be praised for jointly supporting anti-doping efforts able to uncovering substance abuses committed by elite athletes in their races."