The family that owned Spencer, the golden retriever who would support runners in the Boston Marathon, has found a way to keep the tradition going.
Spencer originally held the duties of holding a Boston Marathon flag in his mouth as runners attempt to complete the route. He supported runners for nine years (starting in 2014) and runner greatly appreciated the gesture.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 2023 after receiving a cancer diagnosis the year before. Spencer was 13 years old.
“We are devastated to share the news of Spencer’s passing,” Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers said on social media after he lost his beloved dog. “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.”
Spencer even had a statue built in his honor because he was so loved by the community.
Fortunately for the runners, the Powers have found a way to carry on the tradition, even without Spencer. The family bought two English cream golden retrievers named, Jimmy and Jade, and they have become the new marathon flag bearers.
“[Spencer] was buried with considered one of his units of flags together with a marathon medal,” Powers said. “One, if not each, will likely be there on marathon Monday in entrance of the statue holding a set of Spencer’s flags.”
Powers mentioned that the dogs are at totally different phases of readiness for the marathon duties.
“Jimmy is doing effectively with holding the flag. Jade is just 4 months old and is in course of,” the proprietor mentioned.
The 128th Boston Marathon will take place on April fifteenth, with a few good doggos supporting them.
