The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
Sat, Dec 12, 2026, 12:00 PM EST
- Location
- Melrose, MA
- 100 Slayton Rd., 02176
- Type
- RUN
Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.
Profile in progress
More event insights are on the way. Additional race details are being prepared—check back soon, and always confirm timing and logistics on the official registration page.
At a glance
Who it's for
- Beginner Friendly
- Walkers Welcome
Beginner Friendly
Walkers WelcomeGreat for: beginners, walkers
Perks & features
- Stroller Friendly
Stroller FriendlyFrom the public listing — confirm on the official site.
Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.
Distances & registration
2 optionsRegistration for all distances is through the official signup link above.
- 2 Miles
Sat, Dec 12, 12:00 PM EST · From $28.00
Opens Mar 13, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Dec 7, 2026, 6:59 PM EST
- 3.5 Miles
Sat, Dec 12, 12:00 PM EST · From $39.60
Opens Mar 13, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT · Closes Dec 7, 2026, 6:59 PM EST
Vibe Check
Steady Effort
Steady EffortMixed surface + rolling terrain
- Rolling area
Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.
The course
- —
From the organizer
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
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 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 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
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