In the heart of a brutally cold Alaskan winter, the small town of Nome faced a dire threat. Isolated by vast icy expanses and frequent blizzards, its residents were enveloped by a contagious epidemic, chillingly referred to as the “strangling angel” due to its severe impact on children. One hundred years later, the community commemorates the courageous dogs and mushers who braved treacherous conditions to bring life-saving diphtheria serum, altering the course of history.
The unforgettable journey of the 1925 “Great Race of Mercy” is being celebrated in Nome through various events organized by the Nome Kennel Club, such as educational lectures, dog-food drives, and a reenactment of the relay's final leg. Diana Haecker, a board member of the Nome Kennel Club, emphasizes the aim of these festivities: to honor the mushers and their loyal canine companions who embodied hope and survival amidst life-threatening challenges.
This legendary expedition began in the village of Nenana, signaling the start of a heroic relay race with Cleveland, Ohio as a notable participant due to its connection with Balto, a famed sled dog involved in the historic event. Jonathan Hayes, dedicated to preserving the lineage of the original sled dogs, is retracing the relay route with a team of Seppala Siberian sled dogs, direct descendants of Leonhard Seppala’s notable sled team.
Diphtheria, a severe airborne infection characterized by a suffocating formation at the throat, was once a leading killer of children before the advent of effective antitoxin treatments in the late 19th century. At the time, Nome had limited access to medical supplies since the last cargo ship had reached town before the Bering Sea's freeze, without any fresh antitoxin. When the outdated stock of serum ran dry, Nome’s leading physician, Curtis Welch, urgently contacted the U.S. Public Health Service, forewarning an almost certain epidemic.
The epidemic began with the tragic deaths of two young children in January 1925, escalating to over 20 cases as the community enforced a quarantine. Rapid response was crucial, yet logistics of delivering antitoxin from distant West Coast hospitals to the remote town posed significant challenges. The temporary solution rested with an Anchorage hospital’s stock—enough for 30 people—which needed immediate transportation to Nome.
Rail transport delivered the serum to Nenana within Alaska’s interior. Subsequently, it embarked on a perilous journey across the frozen Yukon River using a dog sled relay system, enduring extreme weather conditions with temperatures plunging to minus 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The incredible relay involved 20 mushers, many Alaska Natives, and over 150 sled dogs navigating through fierce blizzards and haunting whiteouts.
Among these tireless efforts, Norwegian musher Leonard Seppala and his chosen lead dog, Togo, covered over 250 miles through one of the most dangerous sections of the relay. Their bravery on the treacherous Norton Sound, combined with the tenacity of Balto leading the final leg into Nome, captured the hearts of the nation, sparking relentless media coverage.
Upon the successful delivery of the serum on February 2, 1925, front-page news such as the San Francisco Chronicle triumphantly declared the dogs heroes, overshadowing the tragic five confirmed deaths. The real toll was likely higher due to overlooked cases among Alaska Natives.
Balto, although initially reputed as slower, was immortalized through cinematic adaptations and honored with statues in New York’s Central Park and Anchorage. However, the aftermath also saw Balto's purchase and stint in dismal conditions in Los Angeles until a rescue operation led him to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Today, the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, which traces original supply routes, serves as a tribute to the sled dogs’ pivotal role in Alaska's history. Commemoration efforts by race organizers including articles and collectible medallions, underscore the enduring legacy of the serum run, a testament to the incredible spirit and determination of these animals and their human handlers.