Sixth Annual Rock Ridge Run for the Golden Shillelagh 5K

Let's support the Morris County Park Alliance! MCPA plays a crucial role in ensuring that the community has access to the amazing parks, green spaces, and resources that enhance both individual and collective well-being. By supporting the Alliance, you're helping to preserve these beautiful spaces for future generations.

Event: Spring Forward 5K and 10K Run

New this year: Added 10K option (two 5K loops)

Terrain: Mixed terrain featuring grass, pressed gravel, dirt, and some hills

Post-race: Enjoy a finisher medal, race shirt, and fun post-race festivities

Participants: Open to runners of all abilities, families, and friends

Course Details:

5K: One loop

10K: Two 5K loops

Location:

Morris Central ParkGPS Coordinates: 40.834866, -74.503507

Apple Maps Link

Google Maps Link

Please join us for the 22nd Annual Ryan Steidl Memorial MK5K Run/Walk! We are excited to have you participate in the 22nd year anniversary of this race to support and remember Ryan, please join us and bring your friends! Looking to see all of the faces that have been there through the years! Race course will be the same as previous years.

All Registrants will receive a Race T-Shirt if you sign up for one before the deadline!! Race location is across from Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville at 25 Pocono Road.

Please read the story of Ryan below and why we honor him today while we are supporting our team and his scholarship fund.

RYAN STEIDL -AN IMPACTFUL LIFE

Ryan Steidl was a 2006 Morris Knolls High School graduate who never shied away from people; outgoing and always full of energy, he would gravitate to those who were shy and to those who needed help. Whether it was to introduce someone at a party or to help a young boy on the baseball field, Ryan had the ability to make others feel more confident and better about themselves. These were his gifts, and he loved using them.

Morris Knolls was a big turning point in Ryan’s life. Everyone knew that Ryan was a baseball player but head football coach Bill Regan noticed Ryan one day running in gym class. It was then that Coach Regan introduced him to Dr. Thalman the cross country and winter track coach. It was a match made in Heaven. Ryan went on to set school records in the 4x400, 800m, 4x200m, and the SMR. He loved Morris Knolls, the teachers, the kids, the atmosphere, and of course his baseball coach, Adam Bonfiglio.

As a senior at Morris Knolls he was the team’s pitching ace leading the Golden Eagles to the Morris County Semifinals and went the entire season without making an error on the mound or at first base. After high school he went on to play baseball at Georgia Southern University and William Patterson University and graduated with a degree in finance before settling into professional life here in Morris County.

Tragically, on March 17th, 2011 he was struck by a car while training to participate in the 7th annual MK5K. Ryan’s brother, Evan, was on the Morris Knolls baseball team in 2011, which dedicated its season and eventual State Sectional Title to fighting alongside Ryan as he pushed hard to heal from a traumatic brain injury. Sadly after a hard fought battle, Ryan passed away six months later from the injuries sustained during this accident.

As a tribute to Ryan and his great love of baseball and Morris Knolls the MK5K was renamed the Ryan Steidl Memorial MK5K as a way of both remembering his short but impactful life and to promote runner safety.

Event Details:

ARQ NJ Trail Series is bringing back a weekly series of 5K events from April 28 until July 28 2026 on Tuesday nights. Total of 13 races over the series.

April 28, May 5, off for the 12th, Back on 19, 26

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

July 7, 14, 21, 28

August was not available to us for Tuesday nights. The last race of the season will be July 28.

The course is in the old Greystone complex now called Central Park and a part of the Morris County Parks. It is also the home of the High School Cross Country meets.

The purpose of the series is to introduce cross country running to all people. The course will be open to all ages and all abilities. Walkers welcome.

Costs per race: Pay day of with cash, check, venmo or paypal for the whole series or 1 race at a time. Offline Registration link

Day of Prices:

Youth: Those still in high school or younger: $8 night of registration. entire series $50

Adult: Those older than School age: $10 night of registration. entire series $85

Online Price for Series

You may register and pay for the entire series at any time: 13 races

Youth: $50

Adult: $85

You will receive a race chip and accurate timing every week. After race refreshments will be served. No shirt or weekly awards will be given.

Each weeknight race will go on Rain or Shine. Races start at 6:45pm. Registrations begin at 6:00pm.