We have all heard about the Iditarod that happens every year in Alaska but truth be told, I know nothing about the origins of the race. I have always been enamored with the pups who mush and how they are able to run 975 to 998 miles depending on whether they run the course north to south or south to north. Last week, our family attended the premiere of The Great Alaskan Race which was the story that led to the annual Iditarod. I was intrigued by the trailer plus there were baby husky puppies that were going to be there.
I was blown away by this indie movie. The Great Alaskan Race was so much more than a dog race. It was a race in the 1925’s to get anti-toxin to Nome, Alaska to save all the children who were infected (whichh felt like the entire town) from dying. Leonhard Seppula and his 12 year old lead dog Togo did an unprecedented 330 miles out of the 700 total in 5 days to get the serum and and transport it back to Nome in -80 degree weather. Dogs and Mushers are told to never run past -40 below because it will kill a dog not to mention one should never run a 12 year old dog in those conditions. Leonhard Seppula showed bravery and selflessness in hopes of saving his entire town. Most of the stories that people have read about this race have been about Balto, the lead dog that took the serum the last 50 miles to the town of Nome. This is the first time that the story of Togo and Balto share the heroic efforts that saved all the children from dying. This was really about the bravery of groups of mushers from around Alaska that were willing to sacrifice their dogs and themselves for the greater good of humanity. The Iditarod is an annual race today in remembrance of The Great Serum Run.
This movie shared a very important piece of history in its entirety that was so easy for kids to follow and digest. We loved this movie and highly recommend to anyone looking for a wholesome teaching movie for the whole family.
The Great Alaskan Race is out in theaters October 25th!