***The race reached the participant limit of 250 at the end of 12/12/25. Looking forward to welcoming those of you who have registered and hope that you have a good race!***
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