University of Cincinnati
11/07/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/07/2025 12:57
UC student finds her stride at Pig Works co-op
UC student finds her stride at Pig Works co-op
Flying Pig nonprofit gives students the experience of coordinating volunteers and events
By Angela Koenig Email AngelaEmail Angela 513-558-4625
5 minute read November 7, 2025 Share on facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Reddit Print StoryLike
When Dylan Eggleton transferred to the University of Cincinnati as a second-year student, she was looking for a place that felt more like home.
She found it, and more, through an internship that helps Cincinnati's runners reach the finish line.
Dylan Eggleton at the Pig Works headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although she is an avid runner, she is training to participate in her first Flying Pig Marathon, being held May 1-3, 2026.
Eggleton, a senior exercise science major, is completing her co-op with Pig Works, the nonprofit organization behind some of the city's most popular running events, including the Flying Pig Marathon, Queen Bee Half Marathon and TQL Beer Series.
The Pig Works' mission statement is to "bring together active-minded people to celebrate health, fitness and community spirit through world-class events that benefit charities."
"I help coordinate volunteers and entertainers along the race courses," Eggleton said. "We have thousands of volunteers and dozens of performers, so a big part of my job is reaching out, assigning roles and making sure everyone has what they need on race day."
The Flying Pig Marathon 2025 kicks off with a fiery state. Photo/Pig Works
A fast pace
Working under Lauren Burlile, volunteer and course experience coordinator, and race director Jeanette Kiely, Eggleton supports both the volunteer and operations teams. She organizes meetings, prepares supplies, marks courses and assists on race weekends. She has already worked on the Queen Bee Half Marathon and several races in the Beer Series and will stay on through spring to help with Flying Pig weekend events.
Burlile said interns like Eggleton play an essential role in keeping events running smoothly for Pig Works' small full-time staff.
Founders of cooperative education
Founded at UC in 1906, the co-op model continues to be a cornerstone of experiential learning. Today, UC's program is ranked among the No. 4 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Bee-ing nimble
"We're such a small team that without interns, things would be a lot more difficult," Burlile said. "They step up when we need extra hands, especially leading up to major events like the Queen Bee and the Flying Pig. Dylan is always willing to do anything we ask. She's flexible, positive and brings a great perspective from her background in exercise science."
UC's Dylan Eggleton (center) with fellow interns Olivia Munson (left) and Annie Sinning (right) at Pig Works ready for Cincinnati's Queen Bee Marathon, named for the city's "Queen City" moniker. Photo/provided by Pig Works
Kiely agreed, adding that flexibility and commitment are key traits for co-op students.
"We tell applicants from the start that they have to be available for specific events and weekends," Kiely said. "If they can't make that commitment, it's not going to work.
"When things ramp up before a race, it's all hands on deck, and having a UC co-op sitting next to you who knows the ropes makes a huge difference."
Kiely, who has worked with Pig Works since 2015, said the organization has partnered with UC for more than a decade, drawing students from several programs.
"I love my UC interns," she said. "They come prepared, they understand the importance of hands-on experience, and they're serious about the work. UC students tend to have more availability, and they know this is part of their professional training, not just checking a box."
Stepping up
Eggleton said the experience has taught her skills she wouldn't have learned in a traditional classroom.
"I'm not learning the medical side of exercise science here," she said. "But I am learning how to work behind the scenes of major community health events. It's been really fun and interesting to see everything come together."
That behind-the-scenes perspective comes with plenty of responsibility. Eggleton helps manage communication with thousands of volunteers, dozens of entertainers and several departments within Pig Works.
"My communication and organizational skills have really improved," she said. "You have to stay on top of details and adapt quickly when something changes. It's helped me become more confident working with large groups of people."
UC co-op fast facts
- $94 million+ in collective self-reported earnings
- 8,300-plus students from disciplines across the university participate
- $11,220 average co-op salary per student per semester
- 1,700-plus employer partners participate in co-op
- Top 5 program in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
Approaching the finish line
Eggleton discovered the opportunity at UC's Exercise Science Internship Expo, where Pig Works was recruiting both race participants and student interns. After a series of interviews, she was offered the role - and the chance to continue through spring. The exercise science program is housed in UC's School of Human Services, under the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.
Originally from Mason, Ohio, Eggleton said UC's proximity to home and its emphasis on real-world experience made transferring an easy decision.
"It's just a great environment with so many different opportunities," she said. "Being close to home was important to me, and UC offered everything I was looking for."
Eggleton is still exploring her post-graduation path, but she knows her co-op experience will give her an edge wherever she goes.
"I can confidently say I can manage a lot at once, work well with others and stay organized under pressure," she said. "That's something I'll take with me long after the races are over."
Featured image at top of race day medallions provided by Pig Works.
Your career is next
Through one of the nation's most robust, top-ranked co-op programs, UC students don't just learn about their future - they live it, alternating classroom study with real, career-shaping experience in industries around the world.
Students: Earn while you learn at UC.
Employers: Find your next hire.
Tags
- Student Experience
- Next Lives Here
- Experience-based Learning
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
- College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
- Health
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