The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge

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 winnersMelrose Fish & Game Club’s famous post-race pasta lunchCash 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., MelroseRace day: 10:00 - 11:45 am, Melrose Fish & Game Club