The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
- Date Sat 13th December 2025
- Time 12:00PM EST
- Location Melrose, Massachusetts
- Price $34.30 - $44.90
- Races 2 races
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of fitness and festivity at the Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge on Saturday, December 13, 2025! Located at the scenic Mount Hood Golf Club in Melrose, Middlesex, this exciting event features a unique 3.5-mile cross-country race that promises to challenge both seasoned runners and enthusiastic walkers alike. With only about 10 spots left, don't miss your chance to join in on the fun!
Participants can look forward to a spirited competition, whether tackling the course individually or as part of a team, all aiming to snag one of the coveted nutcracker awards. The race kicks off at 12:00 PM, and for those seeking a more leisurely pace, there's also a non-competitive 2-mile walk that allows everyone to soak in the holiday spirit. Enjoy the post-race festivities, which include a delicious pasta lunch courtesy of the Melrose Fish & Game Club and camaraderie among fellow participants. Join us for a memorable day that supports local beneficiaries while embracing the joy of the season!
Participants can look forward to a spirited competition, whether tackling the course individually or as part of a team, all aiming to snag one of the coveted nutcracker awards. The race kicks off at 12:00 PM, and for those seeking a more leisurely pace, there's also a non-competitive 2-mile walk that allows everyone to soak in the holiday spirit. Enjoy the post-race festivities, which include a delicious pasta lunch courtesy of the Melrose Fish & Game Club and camaraderie among fellow participants. Join us for a memorable day that supports local beneficiaries while embracing the joy of the season!
Organiser's Description
*** RACE IS LIMITED TO 250 ENTRANTS. THERE ARE ~10 SPOTS REMAINING AS OF MORNING ON 12/12/25.***
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 [https://mthoodgolfclub.com/images/speasyimagegallery/albums/1/images/mthood-course-25.jpg]. 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 [https://tinypic.host/image/Melrose-Fish-%2B-Game-Club-2.2kr1xZ]. 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 Clubs famous post-race pasta lunch
* Cash bar
BENEFICIARIES
Housing Families, Inc. [https://housingfamilies.org/] 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
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 [https://mthoodgolfclub.com/images/speasyimagegallery/albums/1/images/mthood-course-25.jpg]. 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 [https://tinypic.host/image/Melrose-Fish-%2B-Game-Club-2.2kr1xZ]. 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 Clubs famous post-race pasta lunch
* Cash bar
BENEFICIARIES
Housing Families, Inc. [https://housingfamilies.org/] 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
Races
-
3.5 Mile XC Run
Incl. $4.90 Fee
Sat 13th December 2025 (12:00PM EST)
$44.90
CLOSEDCross Country Race -
2 Mile Walk
Incl. $4.30 Fee
Sat 13th December 2025 (12:00PM EST)
$34.30
CLOSEDNon competitive walk
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100 Slayton Rd., Melrose, 02176, MA, United States
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The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
