8th Annual Eagles Autism Challenge returns in May

As an ongoing mission to raise awareness and fight for those living with autism, the Philadelphia Eagles have announced that their 8 ^th annual Eagles Autism Challenge will return in May 2025 at the eLincoln Financial Field.

Occuring on May 17, the annual cycling and 5K run/walk event will benefit institutions conducting cutting-edge autism research and care.

Led by Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie, players, coaches, team legends, Eagles fans, and autism supporters, the 2024 Eagles Autism Challenge, raised a record-setting $8.1 million.

The 2024 Eagles Autism Challenge had 5,647 participants and 38,857 donations.

Since the inagural year in 2018, the Eagles Autism Challenge has collected a total of 159,395 donations which totals more than $30 million raised through the Eagles Autism Foundation.

“Through the stewardship of Jeffrey Lurie, this signature fundraising event benefiting the Eagles autism community has turned into a 365-days-a-year initiative raising millions of dollars for innovative autism research and care programs,” said Ryan Hammond, Executive Director, Eagles Autism Foundation.

“The transformational impact of the Eagles Autism Challenge would not be possible without the support of dedicated partners like Lincoln Financial, Five Below, Wawa, FreedomPay, and so many others. Along with our partners, we are grateful for our generous donors and passionate participants who come together year after year to turn autism awareness into action.”

The Eagles Autism Challenge is a one-day bike ride and family-friendly 5K run/walk that begins and ends at Lincoln Financial Field.

The cylcing event features three levels:

• 30-Mile Wawa Classic
• 10-Mile Wawa Shorti
• 10-Mile Youth Wawa Junior (13-18 years old)

The 5K run/ walk has been mapped and certified by US Track & Field and takes participants on a scenic journey around the Philadelphia neighborhood. For families and participants with sensory challenges, the FreedomPay Sensory Walk provides a shorter course around the outside perimeter of Lincoln Financial Field.

For those unable to ride, run, or walk on event day, there is a virtual participant option.

“Lincoln Financial has been proud to partner with the Philadelphia Eagles organization to support our community and identify opportunities where Lincoln and our employees can make a positive impact,” said John Kennedy, Executive Vice President, Chief Distribution and Brand Officer, Lincoln Financial.

“Our longstanding sponsorship of the Eagles Autism Challenge is a clear example of this partnership, with Team Lincoln raising nearly $500,000 in the past seven years as we work together to support innovative research and care programs for the millions impacted by autism worldwide.”

All events on May 17 will end at the Lincoln Financial Field where participants will be met with an on-field celebration, family-friendly field activities, and an awards ceremony featuring Eagles players and special guests.

Participants will also receive a cycling jersey or 5K t-shirt, finish line medal, and a complimentary gift bag. Exclusive experience prizes and autographed memorabilia will be offered to participants who reach specific fundraising milestones during the year.

“Five Below is thrilled to support the Eagles Autism Foundation,” said Ron Masciantonio, President of the Five Below Foundation™ and Executive Vice President at Five Below.

“The incredible work the Eagles do to raise support and awareness for the autism community truly inspires us. We’re so proud to be part of this mission and excited to keep making a difference in our community. This year, through the Five Below Foundation, we’re donating $75,000 and we invite everyone to come together with us to make a lasting impact for those in the autism community.”

To help participants meet and exceed their fundraising goals, the Five Below Foundation will match the first $75,000 in online donation. This will apply to all online donations beginning Thursday, September 19 at 9 a.m. and will match each donation up to $1,000.

Interested in joining? All participants who sign up by Thursday, October 31, 2024 will have 50% of their registration fee waived as part of the special “Early Bird” promotion. Registrants can use the promo code earlybird25 when signing up.

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