The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

A recap about the 2024 race (in article format) has now been posted.
Go to the "RESULTS AND PHOTOS - 2024" tab.

  The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is excited to welcome runners and walkers again for this year's 19th round over the hilly Mount Hood Golf Club. This race is a unique 3.5-mile cross-country race in the Greater Boston area in that the course changes every year.  Runners look forward to a vigorous team competition or competing individually, a challenging course, and vying for the coveted nutcrackers!  Others arrive festively dressed for this December race, and come for the experience and challenge of XC running.

  There is also a non-competitive 2-mile walk for those who want an easier option while still enjoying the festive nature of the event, and to help support the race beneficiaries.

Race Start Time

12:00 pm for both the 3.5-mile XC race and 2-mile walk.  Starting line this year is 0.2 miles from the Melrose Fish & Game Club (see below).

Venue

The host venue is the Melrose Fish & Game Club.  For those unfamiliar with this location, directions are the same as for the Mount Hood clubhouse except that you take the road to the left of the clubhouse (Stillman Rd.) and travel 1/3 mile further.  The majority of race parking is closer to the clubhouse, so be prepared for a warm-up walk or jog to reach the venue.

Race limit

250 entrants

XC Team registration procedure

         => See Teams Info page

Awards

Top 3 M+F overall

Top 3 M+F in age divisions (19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over)

Top 3 teams in each division

The walk is a non-competitive event.

Amenities

• Nutcracker figurines to awards winners
• Melrose Fish & Game Club’s famous post-race pasta lunch
• Cash bar

Beneficiaries

Housing Families, Inc. and the Melrose HS XC teams.

Strollers

No strollers allowed

Race day registration hours

10:00 – 11:30 am at the Melrose Fish & Game Club

Bib pick-up location & hours

• Fri. 12/12/24: 3 - 7 pm at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose
  
  
• Race day: 10:00 - 11:45 am, Melrose Fish & Game Club