Running a marathon is a grueling athletic feat. Racers rely on spectators to keep them motivated. Sadly, Spencer, a canine cheerleader known for inspiring participants in the Boston Marathon has passed away.
Boston Marathon Dog Passes Away After Health Struggles
Spencer was a 13-year-old Golden Retriever beloved for his encouraging presence at the prestigious marathon. Unfortunately, he was also battling health issues, and had overcome several rounds of cancer.
“We are devastated to share the news of Spencer’s passing,” his owner, Rich Powers, wrote in an Instagram post. “We were loaned [an] incredible gift in 2009 and we had to return the gift last Friday.”
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Spencer became internet-famous in 2018. He went viral for sitting in the rain, displaying “Boston Strong” flags in his mouth. But what many did not know is that Spencer had been cheering runners on for nine years in the same Ashland State Park spot.
Spencer was forced to take a two-and-a-half-year hiatus from the race due to the pandemic and cancer treatment. He returned to the sidelines in 2021. The following year, the Boston Athletic Association declared the Golden Retriever the official dog of the 126th Boston Marathon, an honor he was awarded at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston near the finish line in a special ceremony.
All the while, he fought the good fight against health issues. Even the removal of a 3.5-pound tumor didn’t stop him from showing up at the Boston Marathon. Spencer was a role model for resilience.
“Spencer has overcome some severe medical challenges over the past several years. We thought we would be lucky to have him for an extra month,” Powers’ Instagram post continued. “Spencer was not ready to give up and with the love and positive energy sent to him by hundreds of thousands of fans, He beat the odds and gave us 28 months.”
Remembering Spencer
Spencer spent his final day on Earth “eating his sweet potato treats, drinking water and enjoying visitors,” according to Instagram. A veterinarian arrived and helped Spencer cross the Rainbow Bridge.
“We held him, thanked him and told him we loved him,” Powers said.
The news of Spencer’s passing has affected marathoners and dog lovers alike.
“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,” the Boston Athletic Association shared in a statement to WCVB-TV.
“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,” the statement continued. “We were honored to have recognized Spencer as the Official Dog of the Boston Marathon in 2022, and extend our condolences to the Powers family, sister Penny, and his many friends and admirers around the world.”
