Exceptional My idol Carlton Mendell by Paul McFarland Tributes contest entry Artwork by VMarguarite at FanArtReview.com

There's an old veteran runner Who lives down in Maine, Where marathon racing Is his strict domain. And when he's around, You'll fall under the spell Of the smile and charisma Of Carlton Mendell. Now, I have chased Carlton In many a race, And struggled to stay with His rock-steady pace. If I'm in the pink, And he's not feeling well, Then I'll have a chance To beat Carlton Mendell. Now, marathon runners, They are a rare breed. They live and breathe running, And that's guaranteed. As you go through the roster Of that clientele, At the head of the list Will be Carlton Mendell. And all race directors Say it's a good sign If they can see Carlton On their starting line. They know that in running, There's no parallel. There isn't another Like Carlton Mendell. And he'll never brag On the things he has done, Or try to impress you With miles he has run, But if records are broken, You'll often hear tell, The person who broke them Was Carlton Mendell. And if I am running In some distance race, It's not too surprising If I see his face. And after those races I'll sit for a spell To get words of wisdom From Carlton Mendell. If you need inspiration In running or life, And your days are filled up With worry and strife, It's just my opinion, But you will do well If you take a lesson From Carlton Mendell. He's set a high standard In things he has done, In matters of life And in races he's run, And I want you to know That I'm trying like hell To run in the footsteps Of Carlton Mendell. Recognized Author Notes Carlton Mendell was a very good friend of mine. He was twenty years my senior, but I never beat him in a race until he was in his eighties. The last few races that we ran, we finished together - friendship had become more important than competitiveness. Carlton died a few years ago. He was in his nineties. I miss him.

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