Former addict turns life around through IRONMAN racing

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — As athletes gear up for this year’s IRONMAN Chattanooga, one name on the roster carries more than just racing credentials; it carries a story of survival.

Todd Crandell, the founder of Racing to Recovery, shared with News 12 his incredible journey from addiction to IRONMAN.

Crandell spent 13 years battling heroin, cocaine, alcohol, and nearly every prescription drug he could find. He was homeless, suicidal, and arrested multiple times… until he quit cold turkey and began a new race: the race for his life.

“The day I created my new awakening was April 15th, 1993. I just received my third drunk driving charge, and the difference from that day to the hundreds, if not thousands, of other days where I said I quit, this time I felt it, and I knew I was done, and I knew I was going to do something in my sobriety. I just didn’t know it was going to lead to everything I’m doing today,” said Crandell

Since getting sober, Crandell has completed over 120 IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3, and Ultraman events across six continents. Crandell is also a five-time IRONMAN Chattanooga finisher.

“Physical fitness is vital to everybody’s well-being whether you’re a former drug user or if you’re trying to overcome a food problem if you’re just an average Joe, who wants to feel their best …physical exercise for me being a plant-based nutrition guy those two things are the foundation of everything else that is built up upon a healthy lifestyle,” said Crandell.

Through his nonprofit, Racing for Recovery, Crandell helps others heal from addiction through holistic living, live streamed support groups, and community-based recovery programs. We spoke with one of his success stories who shared this.

“Started to work there in 2021 and have been a case manager at racing for recovery for the last three years and been sober for 4 1/2 years utilizing exercise, family, all sorts of stuff to be able to get sober and stay sober,” said Shane Metternick, a recovered addict.

His story is the focus of a new documentary and several books, all reinforcing one message: recovery is possible, and it can be extraordinary.