Against The Odds: Nome Serum Run – Race Against Death | Togo’s Descendants (Episode 4 Summary)
Host: Mike Corey
Guest: Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Introduction to the Centennial Reenactment
In this compelling episode of Against The Odds, Mike Corey welcomes Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes, the ambitious musher tasked with recreating the historic 1925 Nome Serum Run. This centennial expedition honors Leonard Seppala and his legendary lead dog, Togo, whose heroic efforts delivered life-saving diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska, under extreme winter conditions.
Mike Corey introduces Hayes and sets the stage for the upcoming discussion:
"Musher Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes is going to recreate the Gnome Serum Run from Ninana to Nome with a team of dogs descended from Togo and the original team."
(00:00)
Training for the Grueling Expedition
Hayes delves into the intensive training regimen required for the 600+ mile journey. Emphasizing gradual mileage increases, he shares anecdotes showcasing the unpredictability and challenges of training sled dogs.
"We start with two-mile runs, we do six of those and then we do six four-mile runs..."
(02:13)
He recounts a harrowing experience where his team was attacked by a moose and another incident involving broken gang lines leading to a severe injury:
"I actually broke, literally broke my tailbone just riding across the ice, sitting on my butt across the lake."
(02:53)
Understanding the Leadership Within the Dog Team
Hayes discusses the dynamics of his sled dog team, highlighting the roles of his lead dogs, Druid and Juno. He explains the qualities that make a good lead dog, drawing parallels to Togo’s legendary status.
"Juno is our Togo because she was such a runty dog... she's got heart that just doesn't quit."
(03:28)
He further describes the remarkable traits of the Seppala Siberian sled dogs, noting their natural instincts and adaptability:
"The moment you put a harness on a Seppala Siberian sled dog, they take to it like a duck to water."
(04:19)
The Historical Connection: Seppala and Togo in Maine
Hayes provides a detailed account of how Leonard Seppala and his team of Siberian sled dogs came to Maine, establishing a legacy that Hayes is now continuing. He traces the origins back to Roald Amundsen’s North Pole expedition and the subsequent gifting of the Siberian dogs to Seppala.
"Leonard Seppala saw something of himself in these dogs, these Siberian rats, as Alaskans like to say."
(13:58)
He explains how Seppala's partnership with the Poland Spring Inn in Maine laid the foundation for the region's sled dog heritage:
"The first Seppala kennels were established right here in Maine, and so I'm just blessed to be carrying on that tradition."
(15:11)
Embarking on the Centennial Serum Run
Hayes outlines the ambitious plan to retrace Seppala’s original route, now extended due to changes over the past century. The expedition aims to cover between 700 to 750 miles over 18 to 20 days, navigating modern challenges such as altered trails and climate change-induced sea ice variability.
"We're going to spend about two-thirds of our nights camping in tents along the trail because that mushing trail system no longer exists."
(21:26)
He contrasts the original serum run's reliance on roadhouses for resupply with his team’s use of support snowmobiles to carry necessary supplies:
"The snow machines are our roadhouse, so to speak. They're going to provide for us some of the supplies that would have been provided by a roadhouse."
(20:18)
Navigating Modern-Day Challenges
Hayes expresses concerns about specific environmental hazards, such as blowholes and drum ice, which pose significant risks to the expedition. He explains these phenomena and their potential impact on the journey:
"A blowhole is where the winds coming off of the Bering Sea get funneled through hills and just turn the stream or river... into just glare ice."
(23:31)
Additionally, he discusses the technical and logistical preparations made to ensure the safety and well-being of both the team and the dogs, including advanced gear and specialized dog coats.
"We just spent $2,000 in the expedition funds just for coats for the dogs."
(26:09)
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Musher and Dogs
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the deep trust and intuitive connection Hayes shares with his sled dogs. He emphasizes that while dogs possess remarkable instincts, they are not infallible and require vigilant partnership.
"You have the human mind with its problem-solving skills coupled with these amazing senses. That's what saved the children of Nome."
(30:17)
Hayes details the meticulous care taken to monitor the dogs' health and performance, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and understanding each dog's unique cadence and gait:
"When you spend that much time with them, you learn their gaits, you learn their cadences."
(31:29)
Personal Reflections and Motivation
Hayes shares a personal connection to the original serum run, relating it to his experiences as a father. He reflects on the profound impact of Seppala’s mission and the significance of preserving this legacy.
"I understand what those families must have been going through... Our kids are our legacy. They're our heritage."
(35:14)
This emotional drive fuels his commitment to ensuring the success of the centennial reenactment, honoring both the historical significance and the enduring bond between mushers and their dogs.
Conclusion and Farewell
As the episode concludes, Mike Corey thanks Hayes for his insights and wishes him success on the upcoming expedition. Listeners are encouraged to follow Hayes's journey and learn more about the Seppala centennial trip through provided resources.
"Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes, thank you so much for being on Against The Odds today. We wish you so much luck on the trail."
(36:33)
Additional Content: Book Recommendations
Towards the end of the episode, Al Woodworth from Amazon Books joins to share her top book picks, focusing on themes of survival and resilience that align with the episode's spirit. She highlights titles such as Chance by John Mualam, The Dog Stars by Peter Heller, and The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, each offering compelling narratives of human and animal endurance in harsh environments.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nome Serum Run centennial reenactment honors a historic event where sled dogs and mushers delivered critical medicine under extreme conditions.
- Jonathan Nathaniel Hayes meticulously trains his sled dog team, emphasizing the physical and mental demands of the expedition.
- The legacy of Leonard Seppala and Togo is deeply rooted in Maine, where Hayes continues their tradition with a dedicated team of Seppala sled dogs.
- Modern challenges such as altered trails and climate change require innovative approaches to the reenactment.
- The symbiotic relationship between mushers and their dogs is crucial for overcoming the expedition's formidable obstacles.
- Personal motivations, including Hayes’s connection as a father, underscore the mission’s emotional significance.
This episode not only celebrates a century-old heroic feat but also sheds light on the enduring bond between humans and dogs in the face of adversity, inspiring listeners with a story of perseverance and dedication against the odds.