AND THEY’RE OFF! Nutcracker participants take off in the December 14 cross country challenge at Mount Hood.
MELROSE – This year’s Mount Hood Nutcracker Challenge 3.5 mile cross-country race and 2 mile walk was held on Saturday, December 14. Race headquarters returned to the original host venue, the Melrose Fish & Game Club, previously used for all races up to 2017.
In total, 215 entrants finished the cross-country race, which 19 walkers completed the shorter non-competitive 2 mile walk. Proceeds from the race benefited Housing Families, a local non-profit serving area residents with several needs, the Melrose High School XC teams, and donations to individuals or families in need distributed by the Fish & Game Club.
A new champion was crowned on the men’s side with Ethan Weiner, 22, a Cape Cod resident and member of the Cambridge Running Club, beating last year’s winner and club teammate Matthew Baron by 6 sec in a time of 19:18, a 5:30 per mile pace.
THE HILLY TERRAIN at Mount Hood poses a challenge for runners.
On the women’s side, Jennifer Pajer of Allston, 29, became the first 4x champion of the race. She finished in 23:09, a 6:36 per mile pace.
Melrose was well represented among the racers: 59 area residents finished the XC race and another 12 participated in the walk (30% of all participants).
Participants ranged in age from 9 – 81.
Top Melrose Men and Women Performances
Charles DeMayo 21:58 Leah Ofsevit 27:21
Robert Worful 22:39 Zoe Blumenthal 33:17
Jake Aquino 24:37 Cynthia Berger 34:34
HERE ARE THE Nutcracker trophies.
Melrose Individual Award Winners
Zoe Blumenthal 1st F 19&under
Caroline Skeirik 2nd F 19&under
Finn Hayden 2nd M 19&under
Nathan Beintum 3rd M 19&under
Robert Worful 3rd M 40-49
Melrose Team Award Winner
Ryan Hunt joined two members of NETT (New England Track and Trail) to take 3rd place in the Male Masters (40+) team division, his third year in a row taking home an award.
