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
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day at the Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge on Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the charming city of Melrose, Middlesex! This highly anticipated event marks the 19th edition of a unique 3.5-mile cross-country race that draws participants from all around the Greater Boston area. With a new course layout each year, runners and walkers alike can expect a fresh challenge, whether they're competing individually or as part of a team.
With a race start time of 12:00 PM, both the spirited 3.5-mile race and a non-competitive 2-mile walk offer something for everyone. Festive attire is encouraged, adding to the joyful atmosphere as participants vie for coveted nutcracker trophies and enjoy delicious post-race pasta provided by the Melrose Fish & Game Club. This event not only promises fun and camaraderie but also supports worthy beneficiaries like Housing Families, Inc. and the Melrose High School cross-country teams. With a limit of 250 entrants, make sure to secure your spot and join in on the festive spirit and competitive excitement!
With a race start time of 12:00 PM, both the spirited 3.5-mile race and a non-competitive 2-mile walk offer something for everyone. Festive attire is encouraged, adding to the joyful atmosphere as participants vie for coveted nutcracker trophies and enjoy delicious post-race pasta provided by the Melrose Fish & Game Club. This event not only promises fun and camaraderie but also supports worthy beneficiaries like Housing Families, Inc. and the Melrose High School cross-country teams. With a limit of 250 entrants, make sure to secure your spot and join in on the festive spirit and competitive excitement!
Organiser's Description
***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 [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
