The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
- Date Sat 14th December 2024
- Time 12:00PM EST
- Location Melrose, Massachusetts
- Price $34.30 - $44.90
- Races 2 races
Event summary
Get ready for a festive day of fun and fitness at the 18th annual Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Melrose, Middlesex! This exciting event invites both runners and walkers to tackle the unique 3.5-mile cross-country course at the scenic Mount Hood Golf Club, which promises a fresh challenge each year. Participants can compete individually or form teams, striving for glory and the coveted nutcracker awards. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, a non-competitive 2-mile walk is also available, allowing everyone to soak in the holiday spirit while supporting vital local charities.
With a race start time set for 12:00 PM, this year’s event will take place at the Melrose Fish & Game Club, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere filled with camaraderie and community. Join in for a post-race celebration featuring a delicious pasta lunch and a cash bar! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual participant, the Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is the perfect way to celebrate the season while enjoying the thrill of cross-country running. Don't miss out on this festive occasion that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays!
With a race start time set for 12:00 PM, this year’s event will take place at the Melrose Fish & Game Club, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere filled with camaraderie and community. Join in for a post-race celebration featuring a delicious pasta lunch and a cash bar! Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual participant, the Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is the perfect way to celebrate the season while enjoying the thrill of cross-country running. Don't miss out on this festive occasion that truly embodies the spirit of the holidays!
Organiser's Description
The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is excited to welcome runners and walkers again for this year's 18th 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.
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.
12/13/24 UPDATE - The race is now sold out! Great turnout this year. For those of you entered, looking forward to your participation and looking forward to a great race and walk event tomorrow.
RACE START TIME
12:00 pm for both the 3.5-mile XC race and 2-mile walk. Starting line this year is 1/4 mile from the Melrose Fish & Game Club (see below).
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 2018: the Melrose Fish & Game Club [https://tinypic.host/image/Melrose-Fish-%2B-Game-Club-2.2kr1xZ]. 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 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. 12/13/24: 3 - 7 pm at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose
* Race day: 10:00 - 11:45 am, Melrose Fish & Game Club
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.
12/13/24 UPDATE - The race is now sold out! Great turnout this year. For those of you entered, looking forward to your participation and looking forward to a great race and walk event tomorrow.
RACE START TIME
12:00 pm for both the 3.5-mile XC race and 2-mile walk. Starting line this year is 1/4 mile from the Melrose Fish & Game Club (see below).
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 2018: the Melrose Fish & Game Club [https://tinypic.host/image/Melrose-Fish-%2B-Game-Club-2.2kr1xZ]. 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 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. 12/13/24: 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 14th December 2024 (12:00PM EST)
$44.90
CLOSEDCross Country Race -
2 Mile Walk
Incl. $4.30 Fee
Sat 14th December 2024 (12:00PM EST)
$34.30
CLOSEDNon competitive walk
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