Todd Crandell is the founder and Executive Director of Racing for Recovery®, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit foundation with the mission
of preventing substance abuse in adolescents and individuals, and offering a positive alternative to those currently battling addiction.
Now a PC (Professional Counselor) and a LCDC III (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor III), Todd's own 13-year struggle with drugs and alcohol nearly destroyed his life, devastating
relationships with family and friends and shattering promising professional hockey career.
On April 15, 1993, Todd quit using drugs and alcohol and has been sober every since. In the process of building his life, Todd realized traditional recovery programs weren't
enough. He needed something more. Todd chose the most grueling sport imaginable, the Ironman Triathlon; a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run.
Todd ran his first triathlon in 1999 and has never stopped. He has completed sixteen full-length Ironman endurance competitions all over the world and in 2008, completed the Ultraman Hawaii which is
a three-day test of endurance that includes a 6.2-mile swim, 90-miles of biking (Day 1) and 171.2-mile bike (Day 2) and a 52.4-mile run (Day 3). His experience running these
events and inspiring others on their road to sobriety led Todd to form the Racing for Recovery Foundation in 2001.
Racing for Recovery sponsors support meetings and racing events across the United States to promote a lifestyle of fitness and sobriety. Todd and Racing for Recovery has been
featured on CNN, Fox, ABC, CBS and NBC News, ESPN's SportsCenter, ESPN2's Cold Pizza, the New York Times, Sports Illustrated.com, Runner's World and Trathlete Magazines, the
nationally syndicated Mitch Albom Radio Show, and a number of other radio, newspaper, and magazine interviews across the US and throughout the world.
Todd's book, "From Addict to Ironman," co-written with John Hanc, gives an unflinching account of Todd's addiction and recovery and has motivated thousands in their fight to
overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Todd regularly speaks to groups and individuals to convey one important message: "With sobriety anything is possible."
Sponsors of Todd's events include: Metabolics, Nuun Active Hydration, Blue Seventy Wetsuits, Wicked Fast Sports Nutrition, Griffen Bikes, DeSoto Sport, PureFit Nutrition Bars, Asics Shoes and Kuji Sports.
Todd holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from Lourdes College and a Master of Counseling degree from Spring Arbor University. Todd is also a licensed Chemical DependencyCounselor III. He lives and trains in Sylvania, Ohio with his wife, Melissa, their two sons Konor and Mason, and daughters Skylar and Madison.
WHO IS TODD CRANDELL
