It was 30 degrees below zero one January Duluth day and Eugene Curnow was on the Lester Park ski trails -- with a frozen smile on his face -- hanging pink ribbons for participants to follow during the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon.
Every July, Curnow clears weeds and brush by hand from 10 to 12 miles of woodland trails so that runners can compete in the Voyageur 50-mile trail run from Carlton to Duluth and back.
Curnow, 63, is a legendary volunteer. He has volunteered his services for countless running events in the Duluth area for more than 20 years. From directing races to stocking aid stations to recording race results, Curnow and his wife, Barb, have helped make it possible for many others to enjoy the sport of competitive running.
Now local runners have the chance to help Curnow.
While cutting brush from the Voyageur trail in July, Curnow had a severe reaction to an apparent bug bite. He spent four days in the hospital, where he received antibiotics intravenously, and wound up with $16,000 in uninsured medical bills.
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Duluth businessman and fitness guru Rod Raymond and other friends of Curnow are planning a benefit roast for him Nov. 1 at Fitger's Brewhouse. All profits from the $100-a-plate dinner will help with Curnow's medical bills.
"Along with just about every runner in town, we value Gene's commitment and energy not only to promoting running but the positive vibe associated with running," Raymond said. "Gene is a testimony of a giving, selfless human being."
Jarrow Wahman, a longtime Duluth runner and running store co-owner, has already reserved his spot at the dinner. He said Curnow is a special person and a valuable resource for the running community. "He's the cornerstone, or keystone that holds the arch up,'' Wahman said. "Eugene is one of the people who seem to be at every race. It's not his job, but it seems like it must be his job because he's there all the time.''
Curnow was a guy who claimed to never get sick. He found no need for flu shots. He hadn't been to a doctor in 20 years, and only then for a job physical, he said.
But soon after cutting the trail in July he developed chills and a high fever. He said he wasn't thinking clearly, he had no appetite and he couldn't stop sweating. "Just sitting I was sweating,'' he said. "It was pumping out everywhere. I don't mean beading up a little, it just poured out.''
Curnow, a veteran runner of more than 200 marathons and ultramarathons, sought medical treatment.
"They [doctors] figured it was tick- or mosquito-related, and they were concerned about what other diseases could follow or that the complications could get much worse,'' he said. "They were worried about getting it under control, and they did. I had excellent care. They did just what I went there for -- they got rid of the disease.''
The infectious disease physician who treated Curnow was reached by phone at her home Sunday but said she couldn't comment on her treatment of him because she didn't want to violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects the confidentiality and security of health data.
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Curnow works as a personal care attendant at a Duluth nursing home, but doesn't have medical insurance. He said he's thankful others are trying to help him, but he had no such expectations. "It's good to have friends,'' he said. "You meet real friends through running. You run with somebody10 miles thorough the woods -- you get to know them some."
Raymond said a special dinner menu is planned for meat eaters and vegetarians, with beer and ales available for drinkers with a running problem. To reserve a spot at the dinner or to make a donation to the Eugene Curnow fund, call the Brewhouse at 726-1392.
MARK STODGHILL covers public safety and courts. He can be reached weekdays at (218) 723-5333 or by e-mail at mstodghill@duluthnews.com .
