The Pumpkin Runner by Marsha Diane Arnold illustrated by Brad Sneed*

Joshua Summerhayes scoffs at utilizing a jeep to check on his sheep on his ten thousand acre ranch in Australia.  He and his dog, Yellow Dog, run from sunup to sundown to manage their ranch.  Pumpkins from his pumpkin patch fuel him.  Then at the age of sixty-one, he competes in the 542 mile run between Sydney and Melbourne against some quite seasoned, arrogant runners.  . . . and wins!
Based on a true story!!
A wonderful story about being confident in who you are and being generous.
**Highly, highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.