August 14, 2012 Montebello, QC – The 47th edition of the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) taking place on February 9 and 10, 2013 in Montebello, QC will enjoy the endorsement of one of Canada’s golden girls – Chandra Crawford.

Crawford (28) is a native of Canmore, Alberta and surprised everyone at the 2006 Olympics in Torino when she won gold in the skate sprint cross country skiing discipline. Her other career highlights include six podiums achieved on the World Cup circuit and seven national titles.

“I’m very excited and honoured to be supporting the Canadian Ski Marathon in the capacity of honorary president,” said Crawford. “The event boasts a very solid status as a classic Canadian ski event and also enjoys an outstanding international reputation,” added the active member of the Canadian Cross Country ski team who has her sight on the 2014 Olympics.

As a two-day event, the CSM features 160 kilometre of skiing divided into 5 sections each day, with an average of 16 km per section. Skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate and can do so safely. There are checkpoints at the end of each section providing food, first, aid an other services, as well as shuttle buses that run between accommodation and checkpoints throughout each day. The CSM alternates its direction each year, from East to West one year and then West to East the next – between Gatineau and Lachute.

Unlike most ski events, there are no winners or losers in the Canadian Ski Marathon. Each skier can select his/her own level of challenge and try to achieve it. One can ski as little as 12 km or up to the maximum of 160 km over the weekend.

“With its open and non-competitive spirit, the Canadian Ski Marathon stands for celebrating the great sport of cross country skiing, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging participants to push their personal limits,” highlighted Crawford. “These values are very dear to my heart both as an athlete and as a philanthropist,” concluded the athlete who was named among Canada’s most influential women in sport in 2010 for her work as founder of Fast and Female, a program dedicated to empowering young women through sport.

In addition to offering tremendous skiing opportunities through the Laurentian mountains, the CSM is highlighted by the over-night stop in Montebello, home of the famous Château Montebello, one of the largest log-built hotels in the world.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Chandra is this year’s Honorary President. The energy that she brings to cross-country skiing and the Canadian Ski Marathon is absolutely contagious! We know that Chandra’s involvement in the CSM will inspire other young ladies and gentlemen skiers to ski in the CSM and see just how far they can ski” said Bill Syrros, President, Canadian Ski Marathon.

Past Canadian Ski Marathon Honorary Presidents have included: Hon. Peter Milliken, Hon. Peter MacKay, and Stephanie Vallee, Deputee de Gatineau, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier.

Crawford will be in the midst of World Cup competition when the CSM takes place this February. Nonetheless, she will be lending a hand to spread the word and support the event in the months leading up to it.

“I will definitively be there in spirit and look forward to hearing about everyone’s great time on the trails!” she concluded.

For more information on the Canadian Ski Marathon and to register, click HERE.