Ruth Chepngetich became the first woman to run sub-2:10 with a 2:09:56 performance at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.
But some critics online and in the media quickly questioned the validity of her mark with possible references to doping.
However, Athletics Kenya, the country’s governing body, hurled a strong rebuttal in a lengthy statement on Wednesday that affirmed support for Chepngetich.
“In any case, many world records were broken this year and to single her out is utterly unfair,” the statement read. “It is therefore disheartening to hear some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubts on her achievements. Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only her efforts but the integrity of the sport.”
Chepngetich dominated the majority of Sunday’s race and took a commanding lead by the halfway point at 64:16.
Sutume Kebede took second in 2:17:32 and Irine Cheptai came in third at 2:17:51. It was Chepngetich’s third win in Chicago after coming out on top in 2021 and 2022.
Still, the result was immediately scrutinized in the media and social platforms.
Chepngetich took nearly two minutes off of Tigist Assefa’s 2:11:53 world record mark from the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
In the post race press conference, Chepngetich was asked by a journalist about a number of doping violations by Kenyan athletes in recent years.
“I don’t have any idea,” Chepngetich replied.
The question seemed to divert from what was a buzz over her record setting feat in Chicago.
In the last ten years just over 300 Kenyans have been handed doping bans or already served suspensions from the Athletics Integrity Unit.
When pressed further about whether her fast time could be perceived as an associate with doping, Chepngetich flatly tried to move away from the line of questioning.
“You know people must talk so I don’t know,” she added.
Chepngetich has never served any doping suspensions or tested positive for banned substances.
Athletics Kenya’s statement on Wednesday was length but clear on the governing body’s support — and defense — of Chepngetich.
“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,” the statement read. “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”, the statement later read. “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.”
