The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
Melrose, MA
Sat, Dec 12, 2026
In 41 days · Sat, Dec 12, 2026
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Saturday, December 12th, 2026
100 Slayton Rd., Melrose MA
28–41°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 4 of the last 10 years
2025
20–34°F
dry
2024
29–56°F
rain
2023
29–42°F
dry
2022
25–33°F
dry
2021
38–60°F
rain
2020
33–47°F
rain
2019
23–31°F
dry
2018
22–34°F
dry
2017
29–46°F
dry
2016
30–43°F
rain
Best months to race in Massachusetts →
About this race
We are looking forward to this year's 20th edition of the race - MHNC XX! We plan to have some special features associated with the event. As part of this, if anyone has some interesting displays of nutcrackers over the years which you don't mind sharing (by name or anonymously), please email photos to [email protected] .
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. 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. 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 pageAwards
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 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. 12/11/26: 3 - 7 pm at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose
- Race day: 10:00 - 11:45 am, Melrose Fish & Game Club
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Melrose to train with before race day.
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