Governing body in Kenya issues strong statement in defence of the 2019 world champion after her world record of 2:09:56
Athletics Kenya have stated that “singling out” Ruth Chepng’etich is “utterly unfair”.
In a lengthy statement, the governing body defended the 2019 world marathon champion, firstly by congratulating the Kenyan on her world marathon record of 2:09:56 in Chicago and then adding that “the media and the global community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment”.
“Many world records were broken this year and to single her out is utterly unfair,” Athletics Kenya said. “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. Ruth’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 calibre.
“Her consistent performance over the years stands as testament to her dedication and excellence in the sport. We urge the media and the global community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment. Let her celebrate this hard-earned victory and let us acknowledge the years of hard work and discipline that have brought her to this moment.
“Unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth.”
Ruth Chepng’etich (Getty)
At the Chicago Marathon, Chepng’etich claimed an incredible third crown – the other two being in 2021 and 2022 – and became the first female in history to run a sub-2:10 marathon.
In doing so, she sliced 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.
Chepng’etich made her intentions known in Chicago early on and went through 5km and 10km in 15:00 and 30:14 respectively. Her half-marathon split was 64:16, which would be the fifth quickest time over 13.1 miles in history.
After clocking 1:31:49 and 1:47:32 at the 30km and 35km marks respectively, Chepng’etich – aided by male pacemakers – crossed the line in 2:09:56.
“I feel so great, I’m proud of myself,” she said after winning in Chicago. “This is my dream that has come true. I’ve fought a lot thinking about the world record and I have fulfilled it.”
Ruth Chepngetich wins in Doha (Mark Shearman)
Chepng’etich, who became world marathon champion five years ago in the searing heat and humidity of Doha, is used to defying the odds.
When she claimed victory in Chicago in 2022, Chepng’etich went through halfway in a rapid 65:44 and ended up being 14 seconds off Brigid Kosgei’s world record of 2:14:04.
She was also born in the town of Kericho in the Rift Valley in Kenya, which has an altitude of just over 6000 feet and is synonymous for long-distance runners.
However, Kenya is in the midst of a doping crisis with athletes from the country 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 any performance-enhancing drugs or been found guilty of any doping violation.
Her marathon world record will only ratified by World Athletics if they are satisfied that all rules were met.
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