Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Feb. 2, 2025.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Feb. 2, 1925, the legendary Alaska Serum Run ended as the last of a series of dog mushers brought life-saving medication to Nome, the scene of a diphtheria epidemic.
According to historical accounts, the so-called Great Race of Mercy, traversed 674 miles of rugged terrain in less than six days. Mushers Leonhard Seppala and Gunnar Kaasen and lead dogs Togo and Balto have become well-known for their exploits.
In January 1925, a growing number of children in Nome were diagnosed with diphtheria, a potentially fatal contagious disease. The town needed diphtheria antitoxin to control the outbreak, but Nome was icebound for the winter, making delivery by dogsled the most viable option.
First, the serum was transported from Anchorage to Nenana by train. Then a relay of dogsled teams left on Jan. 27, carrying the 20-pound package from Nenana to Nome.
The race to deliver the medicine was covered in the Deseret News and many other newspapers of the day.
The headlines that week:
Jan. 30: “Plane will rush serum to Nome”
Jan. 31: “Plague relief dogs near Nome; Huskies carrying life giving serum expected this afternoon”
Feb. 2: “Snow blocks dogs bound for Nome; Diptheria anti-toxin expected by noon; hundreds exposed”
Feb. 3: “Navy boat held ready for rush to Nome with serum; Daring cut across ice by drivers saves many hours in dash to save victims of diptheria”
The run was re-created in Alaska this last week.
And every year, the Iditarod sled dog race is held, a tribute to the use of dog teams in the northern wilderness. The first Iditarod race took place in 1973 and has been an annual event since. Changing weather conditions and concerns over the safety of the animal participants have challenged the race, but not the memory of the 1925 run.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the Alaska Serum Run of 1925, and other related stories:
“Pluck, luck and sled dogsIditarod takes Utahn to new horizons within himself”
“Rescued, rehabbed and running to their heart’s content”
“Defending champ leads mushers onto Iditarod trail”
“Iditarod racer joins ranks of 4-time winners”
“Utah woman is dogged competitor”
“Dogs wear booties for their icy duties”
