The Canadian Ski Marathon was created in 1967 by National Country Ski Team member Don Macleod, and a dozen other determined skiers as a Centennial celebration and as a way to expand interest in cross-country skiing. In 1968. the Marathon turned into a 100-mile, two day wilderness event which has remained the format to this date. The first CSM drew approximately 400 skiers but was eventually to grow to near 4,000 skiers in the early eighties. The CSM has attracted skiers from every Canadian province and territory as well as skiers from the US and other snow countries of the world. It is the focus of winter for many skiers. Whatever the weather, whatever the snow conditions, the Marathon is held somehow, year after year!