The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is excited to welcome runners and walkers again for this year's 20th 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.

Venue: The host venue is the Melrose Fish & Game Club.

Awards: Top 3 M+F overall, Top 3 M+F in age divisions, Top 3 teams in each division. Nutcracker figurines to awards winners.

Amenities: Melrose Fish & Game Club’s famous post-race pasta lunch, Cash bar.

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

Bib pick-up: Fri. 12/11/26: 3 - 7 pm at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose. Race day: 10:00 - 11:45 am, Melrose Fish & Game Club.