Since Robert C. Placak founded The Tiburon Mile in 1999, swimmers and swimming fans have converged in the Town of Tiburon to participate in one of the most competitive and prestigious open water swims in the world – the RCP Tiburon Mile. Athletes swim one nautical mile from San Francisco Bay’s Angel Island to the shores of Downtown Tiburon. They compete in one of several divisions including Elite, Age Group and Wet Suit – all vying for cash and prizes. Participating swimmers include Olympic and World Champion swimmers from the USA, Russia, Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Germany. Also competing in this world class event are national and local pool and open water swimmers, as well as collegiate swimmers. Throughout the years, over $1,350,000 has been raised to benefit designated charities with over $50,000 raised in 2012 alone.