Athletics wishes it could scrub the women’s marathon world record – what can be done? | Sean Ingle

Ruth Chepngetich's positive doping test, five months after she shattered the marathon record in 2024, has left the sport in a state of deep unease yet unable to take action.

When Ruth Chepngetich demolished the women's marathon world record in Chicago two years ago today, NBC's commentators likened it to the moon landing. "Bring it on Neil Armstrong!" one exclaimed. "She has accomplished things in this sport that we have never witnessed," another added. "Unbelievable!"

That same word was used by many after the Kenyan crossed the finish line in 2 hours 9 minutes and 56 seconds—a time that not only broke the world record by 1 minute and 57 seconds but also improved her personal best by an astounding five minutes. Afterwards, Robert Johnson of Let's Run asked her how she responded to those who suspected she was using performance-enhancing drugs. "People will talk," she said. "I don't know."