For years, runners of the Boston Marathon were cheered on from the sidelines by a friendly, familiar face: a golden retriever named Spencer, who became a beloved fixture of the annual race, holding a “Boston Strong” flag.
Sadly, Spencer died last year following a battle with cancer, but his legacy lives on. Recently, in the latest heartwarming tribute to this inspiring dog, the city has unveiled a bronze statue along the parade route, ensuring that Spencer will always be there to inspire runners.
Spencer: the Boston Marathon dog
Spencer was an iconic fixture of the race for 9 years. He made his first appearance in the wake of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, and encouraged runners with his signature “Boston Strong” flags.
Year after year, he was always there, rain or shine. One of his most famous viral moments was in 2018, when he braved the wind and rain:
In 2020, when the race was postponed due to the pandemic, Spencer was there to offer some encouragement when people needed it the most:
Spencer sadly faced a number of health battles in recent years, but still didn’t let it hold him back. In 2021, vets found a cancerous tumor on the dog’s spleen, which they were able to remove and treat with chemotherapy.
Spencer finished chemo just in time to return to the Boston Marathon, more inspiring than ever.
“When he got sick people were afraid he wouldn’t make it again. The past two marathons, this one included, it was really unlikely he would make it,” Rich Powers told WHDH at the time. “He’s a miracle boy. He’s an inspiration for a lot people that you can do it.”
After years of being the race’s unofficial doggy mascot, Spencer was named the “Official Dog” of that year’s race, and was honored by marathon officials at the Fairmont Copley luxury hotel.
Returning to his usual spot on the marathon route, Spencer was more popular than ever.
“We had so many runners taking selfies,” the owner wrote on social media. “We had fans even help take selfies for runners to keep get them out on the course as quickly as possible.”
One runner did something extra special: he gave Spencer his medal from the previous year’s race, and Spencer looked thrilled by the honor. The owner called it “one of the most heartfelt moments.”
Spencer: death and tributes
Months after his triumphant return to the marathon, Spencer was diagnosed with untreatable liver cancer, and it became clear that Spencer would not live to see another marathon.
In February 2023, Rich and Dorrey Powers announced that Spencer had passed away. “Spencer passed in our home with the help of our compassionate vet on Friday,” the owners wrote.
Spencer was widely mourned by fans everywhere. The Boston Athletic Association released a statement paying tribute to the iconic dog.
“We at the B.A.A. are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our dearest and most loyal Boston Marathon supporters, Spencer,” their statement read, according to WMUR. “Spencer annually encouraged participants in Ashland, embodying the unwavering spirit of Boston’s athletes as he showed up year after year regardless of the weather conditions.”
Just a week after Spencer’s death, the heartbroken owners announced the passing of his sister Penny.
In recognition of his many years of cheering runners on and inspiring local pride, Spencer has been the subject of many tributes. Shortly before his death, a local artist unveiled a portrait of Spencer with his famous “Boston Strong” flags.
Spencer: statue unveiled
And last April, during the first Boston Marathon since Spencer’s passing, 250 golden retrievers gathered at the finish line as a tribute.
But the most awe-inspiring tribute to Spencer was unveiled this week, about a year after his passing: a bronze statue of Spencer, which will be fixed along the parade route in Ashland.
The life-sized statue was crafted by Bucaccio’s Sculpture Services in Canton, and funded through donations raised by marathon runner Susan Hurley and her friend Trisha Winton, according to WBZ News.
“There’s no dog that would stand out there like him and he was just the epitome of what the Boston Marathon stands for,” Hurley told the outlet.
“Projects like this are especially special for us here because we’re able to affect our community,” said sculptor Jeff Buccacio.
Rich Powers was at the unveiling and was moved by the tribute to his late, beloved dog. “For those who knew Spencer and met him, he was just truly an angel,” Powers said, according to Boston 25 News. “He was too good not to share. We were incredibly lucky to have him for almost 14 years and we miss him every second of every single day.”
“There was definitely a need for this. The statue isn’t for me. We did this for the world,” he said. “My house is a shrine to Spencer, and I see it every day. I didn’t need a statue of Spencer. The world needs a statue of Spencer.”
The statue has made its debut ahead of the 128th Boston Marathon, which will take place on April 15. While Spencer may be gone, racers will still be greeted by his likeness along the route.
On top of that, the legacy of Spencer and Penny will live on thanks to the Powers’ new golden retrievers, Jimmy and Jade, who will be filling their shoes and carrying on the “Boston Strong” tradition.
“Jimmy and Jade will be out at the marathon,” Powers said. “Jimmy is at Spencer-level of holding the flags. I just don’t know how he will do with all those cowbells.”
It was heartbroken when Spencer passed away, but we’re so glad to see this beautiful statue that will continue to inspire Boston Marathon runners for years to come and keep Spencer’s legacy alive.
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