Mother Nature won't stop it: Eagles Autism Challenge to go on rain or shine

The Eagles inaugural Autism Challenge, created to supporting innovative autism research and treatment programs, kicks off Friday night and continues with cycling rides and 5K run/walk fund-raising event Saturday.

The Eagles said Friday the event will go on rain or shine – but road and weather conditions may alter specific aspects of the 30-mile and 50-mile bike routes.

"Due to the impending weather facing the tri-state region, we are closely monitoring the forecast to determine the best-case scenario for the Eagles Autism Challenge," the team said in a statement. "The safety of our participants is paramount and the decision we make will be based solely on that.The weather won’t dampen our spirit.… We look forward to a transformational day."

The Eagles will announce any weather-related decisions by 7:00 p.m. Friday, and communicate any changes at Lincoln Financial Field’s Kick-Off Party, across the team’s social media channels and via email.

All of participant-raised funds from the Eagles Autism Challenge will be directed to the autism work being conducted at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Drexel University, and Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. 

The Eagles are hopeful that by bringing together the region’s top autism research organizations, the Eagles Autism Challenge will help drive scientific breakthroughs and establish Philadelphia as the hub for autism research and care.

 “Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in our country, yet we are still at a point where the cause is not fully understood,” said Jeffrey Lurie, chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles. “It is a lifelong condition without a cure. Just in the last month, new studies revealed that autism prevalence has risen from one in 68 children to one in 59 – a 15 percent increase.

Lurie has a younger brother who is autistic.

The event begins with a party for participants at Lincoln Financial Field’s West Club on Friday night.

The inaugural Eagles Autism Challenge is expected to feature 3,000 participants taking part in 15-mile, 30-mile and 50-mile rides – sponsored by Wawa ­– along with the family-friendly “five Below 5K Run/Walk.” All routes begin and end at Lincoln Financial Field, with the finish line taking place on the field’s 50-yard line. 

An awards ceremony, family field activities and a performance by Interscope recording artist Alex Aiono will take place in the afternoon.

Members of the entire Eagles organization – players, coaches, alumni, ownership, leadership executives, support staff, Eagles Cheerleaders and mascot Swoop – will be in attendance at the event that's taking place rain or shine.

Rolling road closures will take place on parts of Broad Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for each cycling start. Packer Avenue and Darien Street will closed between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday for the 5K.

“The Eagles Autism Challenge is bringing thought leaders in the field of autism together to collaborate on ground-breaking research, while creating a shift from awareness to action in our communities,” Lurie said. “Saturday will be a culmination of everyone’s support, commitment and hard work as we collectively work to raise much-needed funds for innovative research and programs that will transform the lives of those affected by autism.”