Centennial Seppala Expedition: Retracing the Iconic Serum Run to Nome on Its 100th Anniversary
Poland Spring, Maine – May 31, 2024 – In a tribute to one of the most heroic feats in Alaskan history, Maine dog musher Jonathan Hayes will lead the Centennial Seppala Expedition, retracing the legendary 1925 Serum Run to Nome. This 700-mile dog sled journey from Nenana to Nome, Alaska, will commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the famous “Race of Mercy,” undertaken to save the town of Nome from a devastating diphtheria epidemic.
The Historic Serum Run of 1925
In January 1925, Nome faced a dire crisis. A diphtheria outbreak threatened the lives of its entire population, and the only way to deliver the life-saving antitoxin was through a relay of dog sled teams. Over the course of five days, 20 mushers and approximately 150 sled dogs braved the Alaskan wilderness to transport the serum over 700 miles from Nenana to Nome.
Leonhard Seppala and his team of Siberian huskies were pivotal in this mission. Seppala, an experienced musher, and his lead dog Togo covered the most treacherous part of the journey, enduring severe blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and perilous terrain. Their incredible effort, along with that of the other mushers, successfully delivered the serum in time to avert a catastrophe.
Jonathan Hayes: Preserving a Legacy
Following in Seppala’s footsteps, Jonathan Hayes has dedicated his life to honoring this remarkable history. Hayes, the owner of Mush Maine-Poland Spring Seppala Kennels, has spent 25 years breeding and training Seppala Siberian Huskies, maintaining the genetic lineage of the heroic dogs from the 1925 Serum Run. His commitment to preserving this legacy is well-documented in the film “True North: Legends of Dogs and Men,” which chronicles his efforts to connect Maine and Alaska through the storied history of Seppala and Togo.
A New Adventure: The Centennial Seppala Expedition
In January 2025, Hayes, along with renowned polar adventurer Eric Larsen, will embark on the Centennial Seppala Expedition. This 18-day journey will follow the original Serum Run route, from Nenana to Nome, navigating the same harsh winter conditions and visiting the native villages that supported the original mushers a century ago. The route will take them along the Tenanaa and Nenana Rivers, over mountains, and across the treacherous Norton Sound ice of the Bering Sea.
Eric Larsen: A Modern-Day Polar Explorer
Eric Larsen, a celebrated polar explorer, will join Hayes on this historic expedition. Larsen’s credentials are unmatched; he has completed more North and South Pole expeditions than any other American and holds a world record for reaching the South Pole, North Pole, and the summit of Mount Everest within a single year. Despite facing a battle with stage 3B colorectal cancer in recent years, Larsen continues to push the boundaries of exploration and environmental advocacy.
A Homecoming for Seppala’s Descendants
Hayes’ team for this expedition is composed entirely of purebred descendants of Seppala’s original huskies. “By recreating this iconic race, I hope to connect a new generation to the story and spirit of Seppala and Togo,” Hayes commented. “Returning to Nome will be a 100-year-in-the-making homecoming for all my dogs.”
Support and Sponsorship
The Centennial Seppala Expedition is proudly sponsored by Native Performance Dog Food, The Continental Kennel Club, Poland Spring Preservation Society, and others. Product support is provided by Jack Wolfskin, Baffin, MSR, Therm-a-Rest, and more.
Looking Forward
This expedition is not just a tribute to the past but also an opportunity to highlight the enduring spirit of courage, resilience, and teamwork. As Hayes and Larsen prepare to undertake this monumental journey, they aim to inspire a new generation of adventurers and honor the legacy of those who risked everything to save Nome.
For more information and partnership inquiries, please contact Jonathan Hayes at the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club.
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Contact
Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes
President, International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club
[Contact]
Stay tuned for updates on this remarkable journey that promises to be a landmark event in the annals of polar exploration and a fitting tribute to the heroes of the 1925 Serum Run.
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