Statue of Spencer the marathon dog to be unveiled Saturday

Photo courtesy of MGN

By Madison Lucchesi

A statue commemorating Spencer the marathon dog is set to be unveiled in Ashland on Saturday. Spencer was a happy golden retriever and therapy dog that cheered on runners every Marathon Monday for eight years. 

Spencer, who attended his first marathon in 2015, is known for holding two Boston Strong flags in his mouth. In 2018, he rose to fame after a video of him cheering on runners in the rain went viral. In 2022, the Boston Athletic Association named Spencer the official dog of the Boston Marathon. 

The statue will sit at the intersection of Olive, Frankland, and West Union streets in Ashland. The Ashland Select Board voted against putting the statue outside of the community center. Residents Robin and Cynthia Hicks that live across the street from the center offered to host the statue on their lawn.

Spencer the marathon dog passed away in February 2023 after battling cancer for three years. His furry sister Penny passed away eight days later. 

At the three mile mark, the statue will sit right along the marathon route. All marathon runners and spectators will see Spencer the marathon dog for years to come. 

Spencer’s owner, Rich Powers shared, “The statue’s not for me, it’s for the world.”