10/17/2026
After 25 Years, It's Time to Cross the Finish Line.
Twenty-five years ago, when I created Racing for Recovery, one of the very first things I did was organize what would become our annual Racing for Recovery 5K.
At the time, I simply wanted to bring people together around a powerful message: that recovery is possible, that mental health matters, and that every human life has value.
Today, I am announcing that this year's Racing for Recovery 25th Annual 5K will be our final one.
Making this decision has not been easy because this event has brought me tremendous joy over the years.
I have cherished the opportunity to celebrate sobriety and recovery, present the Racing for Recovery Achievement Awards, honor those who have transformed their lives, and support families who have endured the heartbreaking loss of a loved one to su***de or addiction.
For 25 years, our goal was never just to host a race.
Our goal was to create awareness and inspire action around two of the greatest public health crises facing our communities.
Today, nearly 49,000 people die by su***de every year in the United States. That is approximately 134 lives lost every day, or one death every 11 minutes.
Additionally, nearly 79,400 people die each year from drug overdoses.
While overdose deaths have declined from previous years, that still represents approximately 217 deaths every day, or one life lost every 6 to 7 minutes.
These numbers are more than statistics. They are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends, teammates, coworkers, and loved ones whose lives mattered.
As we prepare for this final event, I can honestly say that Racing for Recovery gave everything we had for the last 25 years.
We showed up. We educated. We advocated. We celebrated recovery. We remembered those we lost. We created hope. And together, we helped countless people realize they were not alone.
I want to sincerely thank every participant, volunteer, sponsor, supporter, and family member who has been part of this journey.
Your involvement made these events possible and meaningful.
A special thank you goes to 3D 3 Disciplines Racing and Run Toledo Dave's Performance Footgear for your professionalism, dedication, and partnership throughout the years.
Your efforts helped bring this vision to life year after year, and I am deeply grateful.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who ever laced up a pair of running shoes, walked a mile, volunteered their time, shared our message, or supported someone in recovery. You helped make a difference.
Let's come together one final time to celebrate 25 years of hope, recovery, resilience, and community.
Join us for the Final Racing for Recovery 5K on Saturday, October 24.
Register today: https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Rossford/RockinRossford5k10k
Let's make this last finish line one to remember.
Todd Crandell Founder, Racing for Recovery
"Recovery gave me my life. This event gave us a way to share that hope with the world."
