Mr. Putter and Tabby Run the Race by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard

Very funny!
Lends itself to predicting.
Mr. Putter is an older gentleman who lives with his cat Tabby.  This story takes place in April with the earth and everyone is alive.  Mr. Putter is feeling so alive he agrees to run a Senior Marathon with his friend Mrs. Teaberry.