The True Story Behind Togo’s Heroism in the 1925 Nome Serum Run
In January 1925, Nome, Alaska, faced a severe diphtheria outbreak, with limited medical supplies and no clear way to deliver life-saving antitoxin to the isolated town. The solution came in the form of a daring sled dog relay that would cover more than 670 miles of treacherous terrain. While Balto, another dog in the relay, is widely remembered as the hero who brought the serum to Nome, Togo, a Siberian husky, played an even more pivotal role.
The relay, dubbed the Great Race of Mercy, involved 20 mushers and 150 sled dogs, each responsible for carrying the vital diphtheria antitoxin across freezing Alaskan wilderness. Balto’s swift 54-mile final stretch earned him much of the glory, but it was Togo who led the longest and most perilous leg of the journey. Togo, under the guidance of his owner Leonhard Seppala, traveled an astounding 260 miles through blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, and white-out conditions, securing the serum’s transport from Shaktoolik, Alaska, to the next musher’s hand-off point.
Togo’s remarkable achievement was overshadowed for years by Balto’s fame. Despite his grueling and heroic journey, Togo’s name didn’t resonate with the public. Seppala, who always considered Togo his most valuable dog, was frustrated that Balto, who completed the final stretch, received all the accolades. In 1925, a statue of Balto was erected in New York City in recognition of his bravery, but Seppala remained adamant that Togo deserved just as much, if not more, recognition.
Born around 1913, Togo’s early life wasn’t filled with promise. He was a sickly, mischievous pup who Seppala initially dismissed as unsuitable for sled dog work. In fact, Togo was given away before he was six months old, but his determination led him back to Seppala’s care. Eventually, Togo proved himself to be a natural-born leader, moving from the back of the sled team to the front, and becoming Seppala’s trusted companion in many of his races and missions.
When the diphtheria outbreak hit Nome, Togo was 12 years old, an experienced sled dog with an exceptional track record. The mission to deliver the antitoxin was time-sensitive, and it was clear that it would be one of the most challenging dog sled runs in history. Togo’s part in the mission was nothing short of heroic. With temperatures plunging to -30°F and the blizzard raging around them, Seppala and Togo ran for hours on end. The team had to cover 91 miles in brutal conditions, and Togo led them through it all, ensuring they made the critical hand-off to the next musher on time.
While Balto finished the final leg of the relay, Togo’s pivotal role remained largely forgotten until much later. Togo’s story was only fully appreciated years after the event, as more people began to acknowledge his incredible endurance and leadership. In 2011, TIME magazine recognized Togo as the most heroic dog of all time. Later, a film adaptation titled Togo, starring Willem Dafoe as Leonhard Seppala, was released, shining a light on Togo’s untold legacy.
In 2020, Seppala’s sentiments were finally acknowledged when Togo received a statue in Poland Spring, Maine, commemorating his heroism. Togo’s role in the 1925 Nome Serum Run is now celebrated alongside Balto’s, cementing his place in history as one of the most courageous and iconic sled dogs of all time.
Togo’s incredible journey serves as a reminder of the unsung heroes who played a vital role in history, whose stories deserve to be remembered and honored.
