The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

Race Overview

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 mhnc@melroserunningclub.com.

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

• 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.

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

• Entrants: 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
• Note: The walk is a non-competitive event.

Amenities

• Awards: Nutcracker figurines to award winners
• Food: Melrose Fish &: Game Club’s famous post-race pasta lunch
• Drink: Cash bar

Beneficiaries

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

Strollers

• Policy: No strollers allowed

Race Day Registration Hours

• Time: 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

Event Link

For more information, please visit The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge.