Frequently Asked Questions

How does the event work?
The Swim A Mile | Move A Mile for Women with Cancer is an annual fundraiser supporting the free programs and services of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley, CA. Participants raise funds from friends, family, and colleagues, then swim or move a mile to show their support.

This hybrid event takes place at Northeastern University in Oakland (formerly Mills College), with great food, music, and community. Participants can join in person or choose their own adventure!

Who benefits from this event?
Proceeds support the Women’s Cancer Resource Center, which offers free services, support groups, and navigation for people affected by cancer and their families.

Where is the event?
It’s at Northeastern University in Oakland (formerly Mills College), located at 5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA.

What are the registration fees? How much money should I raise?
The registration fee is $35. Participants are asked to raise $250. 

How do I fundraise?
Get started by checking out our Fundraiser Toolkit here! It includes step-by-step guidance, sample emails, and social media templates.

Then, start by sharing your page with friends, family, and colleagues. Use emails, social media, or in-person events to ask for donations. Every effort helps WCRC support its community! For tips or sample emails, email swim@wcrc.org 

How do teams work?
Teams register individually but can fundraise collectively. Each team member meets their own fundraising minimum, and team fundraising totals also count toward qualifying for extra special team prizes!

Can my team swim together?
There’s a 2-person max per lane, but we're happy to do our best to accommodate adjacent lanes or larger group arrangements! Email swim@wcrc.org to discuss options.

How many laps is a mile?
Most lanes are 25 yards long, so one mile is 36 laps (72 lengths). In shorter shallow-end lanes, it’s 45 laps (90 lengths).

How can I prepare for the event?
Depending on your timing, we recommend first gradually building up with interval and cross-training. For tips, check out resources like HERE

For swimming-specific guidance:

• Check out a beginner’s guide by veteran Swim A Mile participant Janet Perlman HERE.
• See advanced workouts by Neil Virtue, Mills’ swim coach HERE.

What is your social media?
Tag us in your photos and use hashtags #swimamile and #moveamile to share your experience!

• Facebook: facebook.com/womenscancerresourcecenter

• Instagram: @wcrcberkeley

Do you need volunteers?
Yes! Volunteers make this event possible. Email swimvolunteers@wcrc.org to learn more or sign up.

How can I contact you?
We’re happy to help! Email swim@wcrc.org, and we’ll answer your questions and add them to this page if needed.

What time should I arrive?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled swim time to allow for check-in and parking.

What should I bring?
Bring goggles, a towel, a swimsuit, and sunscreen. Don’t forget toiletries if you’d like to rinse off afterward and layers for unpredictable Bay Area weather. Water-walkers should bring water shoes, and swimmers may bring paddles, buoys, fins, or kickboards.

What happens when I arrive?
At check-in, we’ll:

• Check your name off the list

• Collect any remaining donations

• Have you sign a waiver

• Provide you with a participant card to honor loved ones on the Tribute Wall

After check-in, you’ll receive a safety orientation and lane assignment. Locker rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor changing tents are available.

What are the pool rules?
Swimmers will share a lane with one other person and split the lane. Water-walkers will have up to three participants per lane and must circle walk.

What are the parking details?
Parking is available on campus, but spaces may fill quickly if other events are happening.

• Disabled parking: Turn left into the first lot after entering the campus.

• General parking: Pass the guard gate, take two immediate rights, and follow signs to the main lot.

Rideshare drop-offs should use the main entrance on MacArthur Blvd.