The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is excited to welcome runners and walkers again for this year's 18th round over the hilly Mt. Hood Golf Club. This race is a unique 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.

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

Venue Change for 2024

Due to changed winter season usage of the Mount Hood clubhouse, we are returning to the original location for this race used for all races prior to 2017: the Melrose Fish & Game Club. For those unfamiliar with this venue, directions are the same as for the 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 will remain closer to the clubhouse, however, as in the past.

Race Limit

250 runners

Awards

• Top 3 Male & Female overall
• Top 3 Male & Female in age divisions (19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over)
• Top 3 teams in each division

*Gun time will be used to determine awards for Overall winners. Net time will be used for all other awards.

The walk is a non-competitive event.

Amenities

• Nutcracker figurines awarded to 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. 12/13/24: 3 - 7 PM at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose

Race day: 10:00 - 11:45 AM, Melrose Fish & Game Club