Athletics Kenya has condemned aspersions cast by a section of the media on the achievements of world marathon record holder Ruth Chepngetich.
AK said Chepngetich, 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,” AK said in a statement.
AK added that marathon records have been broken by even wider margins, stating that her feat is well within the bounds of possibility for an athlete of her calibre.
“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,” the statement read in part.
Chepngetich now joins the league of other Kenyan Women's World record holders, including Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Beatrice Chepkoech among others.
“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,” AK said.
“Unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth.”
Chepngetich took almost two minutes off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in 2:09:56 on Sunday.
Not only did she obliterate Tigist Assefa’s world record of 2:11:53, set in Berlin last year, Chepngetich also notched up her third Chicago Marathon victory and chopped more than four minutes off her previous best of 2:14:18, set when winning here in 2022.