On hills of Bernardsville, hundreds run, walk in annual Shamrock Shuffle

More than 500 participants, ranging in age from 6 to 96, participated in the School of St. Elizabeth’s 5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle in Bernardsville, March 22.

The day included a USA Track and Field Grand Prix 5K, with nearly 300 runners conquering the 3.1-mile route through the Bernardsville hills.

Two high school juniors – Brody Watt of Bernards High School and Blythe Dudley of Villa Walsh Academy – were named overall winners. Dudley set a new course record. Watt recently won gold in the Boys 800m, 1600m and 3200m at the Garden State High School Indoor Track Invitational. 

Eighty-six youth runners finished the 5k, led by Robert Dudley of the School of Saint Elizabeth and Claire Johnson of St. James School, Basking Ridge.

The day also included a two-mile walk and a free Kids Fun Run.

Many of the young runners trained all winter as part of the Mine Mt. Road Department 5K Club in Jockey Hollow National Park. The run club was inspired by the 1980s legendary Mine Mt. Road Department Club that trained on the hills of Bernardsville; it is organized by St. Elizabeth’s cross country coaches and is featured in the new book, “Blood, Sweat & Spikes: Running the Wetmore Way” by Bernards High alum Lyle Smith.

Thanks to generous sponsors, all Shamrock Shuffle runners received commemorative medals, and winners earned prizes. St. Patty’s Bagel Bar offered snacks and drinks, and Jennifer Morrison of MSBH Fitness & Wellness made sure runners were warmed up.

Participants were entertained with DJ music from Sandro Nunez, a St. Elizabeth’s dad; bagpipes and drums from The Guard; performances by LaPointe Academy of Irish Dance; and face painting and balloon twisting. Bernardsville Police and Bernardsville Fire and First Aid were on hand for emergencies.

Race Director Hilary Dudley, a School of St. Elizabeth parent, organized and coordinated the events, as she has in past years, ensuring that opportunities to foster a love of and appreciation for running as a healthy and rewarding activity exists for kids, families and the community. Dudley previously ran at Notre Dame University and has an extensive background in running.

The next Shamrock Shuffle is planned for March 21, 2026.

Contributed by Marisa Friedman, director of marketing, School of St. Elizabeth, Bernardsville.