Legend has it that before the time of Elizabeth Wetmore and John Cook, there was the Leprechaun of the Lake. The Leprechaun has only been seen during the 3rd week of March in the woods surrounding what is now known as Rock Ridge. He is known to carry a "Golden Shillelagh" which has only been seen by a few lucky Rock Ridge residents while they were running at high speeds in the woods now known as Muriel Hepner Park. Those residents were Dan Kane (the founder of the race)and the previous winners: Ariana Bauer, Brian Christ, Catherine Borkowski, Graydon Kolk(3x), Molly Gahagan, Bryan Coward, Austin Coward and Wylie Kolk (it's a family affair).
Come try and capture our modern day version of this Golden Shillelagh by competing in 5K race/walk. The winners names will be etched on the Golden Shillelagh which will be proudly displayed in the clubhouse for years to come.
Here is the path that that the Leprechaun of the Lake has taken and will serve as the course for this year's race https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1455609
If you cannot find the leprechaun or win The Golden Shillelagh, you can still reminisce about your efforts/tall tales over a pint or a root beer at the RRCC St. Patrick's Day Celebration. (ALL runners that sign up will receive a lucky medal). The signing and presentation of the Golden Shillelagh will occur each year at the RRCC St. Patrick's Day Celebration.
Be sure not to miss the 2026 Run for the Golden Shillelagh and the RRCC St. Patrick's Day Celebration. Slainte!
Mar 21, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
09:30
$30.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Denville.
Learn more about the host city, Denville.
Denville Township is a township in Morris County, in the northern portion of the U.S. state of New Jersey. It is a commuter town of New York City in the New York metropolitan area, located 35 miles (56 km) west of Manhattan. As of the 2020 United States census, the township's population was 17,107, its highest decennial count ever and an increase of 472 (+2.8%) from the 2010 census count of 16,635, which in turn had reflected an increase of 811 (+5.1%) from the 15,824 counted at the 2000 census.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Denville, New Jersey, US
calendar_today Mar 14, 2026
location_on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey, US
calendar_today Mar 21, 2026
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