Dog Musher Jonathan Hayes and Polar Adventurer Eric Larsen to Retrace Iconic Serum Run to Nome, Alaska on the 100 Year Anniversary

October 24, 2024

In January 2025, the Centennial Seppala Expedition team will dog sled the over 700-mile route from Nenana to Nome, Alaska

October 24, 2024 /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Saint David, Maine  — In a remarkable tribute to one of the most courageous feats in Arctic history, Jonathan Hayes and Eric Larsen will embark on the Centennial Seppala Expedition following the original ‘Serum Run’ route over 700 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain, from Nenana to Nome in the coldest and darkest part of winter. The expedition will carry a symbolic load of diphtheria medicine, reflecting the spirit and significance of the original mission.  The nearly three-week adventure will be led by renowned dog musher and former marine Jonathan Hayes.

“The Centennial Seppala Expedition is not just a retracing of a historic journey; it is a celebration of the enduring spirit of exploration, courage, and teamwork,” commented Hayes. “I hope to connect a new generation to the story and spirit of legendary Alaskan dog musher Leonard Seppala and his lead dog,Togo.”

In January 1925, with a Diphtheria epidemic threatening the entire population of Nome, Alaska, a group of 20 dog mushers and roughly 150 sled dogs relayed crucial antitoxin from Nenana across 674 miles Alaska’s frozen icy interior to Nome, saving the community. Seppala and his team of Siberian Huskies played a critical role in relaying the life-saving diphtheria serum. After these heroic acts, Seppala, his famous lead dog Togo, and the rest of the sled dog team relocated to Poland Spring, Maine where Hayes now resides and has been stewarding the legacy and story of the Seppala dog breed for the past 25 years.

Joining along will be Polar Adventurer Eric Larsen known for his record setting polar and mountaineering expeditions who began his career as a dog musher. This will also be Larsen’s first major expedition since being diagnosed with stage 3B colorectal cancer nearly four years ago.

“After facing my own cancer battle, joining this expedition takes on even deeper meaning for me.” Added Larsen. “I hope our adventure inspires others to embrace challenges and recognize the strength within themselves and their communities.”

By bringing to life the 1925 Serum Run on its centennial anniversary, the Seppala Centennial Expedition hopes to highlight both the historical significance of the Serum Run and the ongoing relevance of this story today. The modern reenactment will mirror the challenges faced by Seppala and his team, including severe weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and the logistical demands of sled dog travel. A two-person support crew on snowmobiles will both film and provide logistical support along the way.

The Centennial Seppala Expedition is sponsored by Native Performance Dog Food with major support from the Continental Kennel Club, Poland Spring Preservation Society. Product support is provided by Baffin, MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Nuts.com, Jack Wolfskin and Seirus Innovation.

To sponsor an individual sled dog, partnership inquires, or to follow the expedition’s progress, please visit https://mushmaine.com/

Contact:
Jonathan Hayes
jonathannathanielhayes@gmail.com
207-728-5997