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Togo And The Great Race Of Mercy
In the winter of 1925, a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in the remote port of Nome, Alaska, threatened the lives of the 10,000-plus living in the area. Children were especially at risk, and Nome’s isolation created a nightmare scenario. An antitoxin was located, but the nearest point which the serum could reach by rail was Nenana, located 674 miles from Nome. With a blizzard approaching, air travel was ruled out. Officials determined that the only way to deliver the serum in time was via sled dog teams.
A relay of 20 teams was assembled, including that of Leonhard Seppala, Alaska’s most venerated musher. Amazingly, in just five and a half days, the “Great Race of Mercy” was completed and the lifesaving serum was delivered to Nome. While the lead dog of the 53-mile final leg, Balto, would become famous for his role in the run, many argue that it was Seppala and his Siberian Husky lead dog, Togo, who were the true saviors of the day. All told, the 12-year-old Togo and Seppala traversed an astounding 261 miles, compared to an average of 31 miles each for the other teams.
Did the medicine make it to its final location? Why is a dog named Togo considered the unsung hero of the story? How long can a human survive in -50 degree temperatures and how much lower did the temperatures actually get? Dear Lord, give them strength!
Find out all this and more as we cover the true story behind this Great Race of Mercy and the dog sled team that covered more ground than most could imagine possible.
To get more details about the podcast and see those pictures from the episode you can find us on instagram and facebook:
Facebook link:
https://www.instagram.com/theseed_podcast/
Instagram link:
https://www.facebook.com/theseedpodcastishere
If you want to see new funny and/or encouraging posts daily you can join the public Seed Family fb group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/297139228680431
If you have a question, want to add or correct something mentioned in an episode, or even just want to say “Hi”, you can email me at: [email protected]
Thank you for listening…
And remember to keep on digging!
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By Jeff LaFortuneIn the winter of 1925, a deadly outbreak of diphtheria in the remote port of Nome, Alaska, threatened the lives of the 10,000-plus living in the area. Children were especially at risk, and Nome’s isolation created a nightmare scenario. An antitoxin was located, but the nearest point which the serum could reach by rail was Nenana, located 674 miles from Nome. With a blizzard approaching, air travel was ruled out. Officials determined that the only way to deliver the serum in time was via sled dog teams.
A relay of 20 teams was assembled, including that of Leonhard Seppala, Alaska’s most venerated musher. Amazingly, in just five and a half days, the “Great Race of Mercy” was completed and the lifesaving serum was delivered to Nome. While the lead dog of the 53-mile final leg, Balto, would become famous for his role in the run, many argue that it was Seppala and his Siberian Husky lead dog, Togo, who were the true saviors of the day. All told, the 12-year-old Togo and Seppala traversed an astounding 261 miles, compared to an average of 31 miles each for the other teams.
Did the medicine make it to its final location? Why is a dog named Togo considered the unsung hero of the story? How long can a human survive in -50 degree temperatures and how much lower did the temperatures actually get? Dear Lord, give them strength!
Find out all this and more as we cover the true story behind this Great Race of Mercy and the dog sled team that covered more ground than most could imagine possible.
To get more details about the podcast and see those pictures from the episode you can find us on instagram and facebook:
Facebook link:
https://www.instagram.com/theseed_podcast/
Instagram link:
https://www.facebook.com/theseedpodcastishere
If you want to see new funny and/or encouraging posts daily you can join the public Seed Family fb group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/297139228680431
If you have a question, want to add or correct something mentioned in an episode, or even just want to say “Hi”, you can email me at: [email protected]
Thank you for listening…
And remember to keep on digging!