‘Where it all started’: Recovering addict returns to Hawaii for Half Ironman

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A triathlon is one of the world’s most challenging tests of endurance.

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And on Saturday, athletes will take on that test along the South Kohala coast of Hawaii Island.

The Half Ironman starts with a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56-mile bike ride and a half-marathon run.

For competitor Todd Crandell, it won’t be the toughest challenge he’s faced. Most of his early life was surrounded by addiction.

“People can even look at my story and go, ‘Oh look at that guy. He went from addict to Ironman.’ Well, conceptually, yes,” said Crandell.

Crandell was 3 years old when he lost his mom and uncle to a drug addiction. He later lost an aunt to a food addiction and eventually struggled with addiction himself.

“People have to understand how much work it takes to rebuild a life that was personally chosen to be destroyed with drugs and alcohol, and I take full accountability of those choices,” said Crandell.

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Crandell’s wakeup call came on April 15, 1993, when the Ohio native was arrested for driving under the influence for the third time.

“It was the greatest gift I have received in that moment, because it gave me the ability to make a cognizant choice to stop using drugs,” said Crandell.

“I remember watching the Ironman in Hawaii back during my addiction and I looked at a friend of mine and I said, ‘I’m gonna do that someday,’” he said.

Crandell spent eight years focused on sobriety and training before racing in his first Ironman. Since then, he’s competed in 131 races.

Saturday will mark his eleventh race in Hawaii.

“This beautiful island and the vibe and the energy of this place gave me a second chance at life, and I have utilized that second chance to the fullest,” said Crandell. “I will always come back to Hawaii because this is where it all started.”

Crandell hopes his journey can inspire others. He founded the nonprofit Racing for Recovery to support people dealing with addiction and mental health challenges.

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