Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge
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About the race
The Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge is a December running and walking event held in Melrose, MA at the Melrose Fish & Game Club and over the Mount Hood Golf Club course. The 2026 edition is the 20th edition and the course layout changes each year.
Distances
- 3.5 miles cross-country race
- 2 miles non-competitive walk
The event includes both individual and team competition for the cross-country race. Team and individual results are part of the awards structure. Awards include top three men and top three women overall, top three men and top three women in the following age divisions: 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-over; and top three teams in each division. The walk is explicitly non-competitive.
Registration opens 3/14/2026 and closes 12/7/2026. Fees listed are $35.00 for the 3.5-mile race and $25.00 for the 2-mile walk. The field is limited to 250 entrants.
Event amenities include nutcracker figurine awards, a post-race pasta lunch provided by the Melrose Fish & Game Club, and a cash bar. Beneficiaries are Housing Families, Inc. and the Melrose High School cross-country teams. No strollers are allowed. The starting line for this year is 0.2 miles from the Melrose Fish & Game Club. Bib pick-up occurs the day before at Marathon Sports, 401 Main St., Melrose, and on race day at the Melrose Fish & Game Club. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
