Eagles Autism Challenge Enters Ninth Year

The Philadelphia Eagles recognized Autism Acceptance Day and previewed the ninth annual Eagles Autism Challenge, underscoring the team's year-round commitment to inclusion.

For 2026, the challenge introduces a fully closed 10-mile cycling route and a new sensory walk for neurodivergent participants. A 5K run through the Navy Yard will return this year.

Since its launch in 2018, the challenge has grown from 3,000 participants and more than $2.5 million raised to last year's nearly $11 million. Organizers anticipate approximately 8,000 participants this year.

Executive director Ryan Hammond told Action News 6abc that this growth has enabled the foundation to expand its reach.

"To know that we're funding science all over the world, we started funding in Philadelphia, and by year three, we outgrew and were funding every autism researcher in our city, and so we ended up expanding that support to fund, and today we're funding globally," Hammond said.

Registration is available on the Eagles Autism Challenge website. Use the promo code Acceptance 26 to receive free registration.