Worldwide fame for teen who raced in Crocs

Callum Robertson-Barnes's story about running the Kerikeri half marathon in an unusual choice of footwear has gone viral. Photo / Tania Newman

A teenager from a small town in Northland has achieved something that has given him a taste of "unexpected" world fame.

Callum Robertson-Barnes, 17, ran the 2014 Kerikeri Half Marathon in a time of one hour, 23 minutes and one second.

However, he is the only one who did it while running in Crocs.

After being interviewed by The Northern Advocate, his story has since gone viral appearing on the USA Today website which described the accomplishment as one possible "only in New Zealand".

Callum was also interviewed by Melbourne's SEN radio station and The Crowd Goes Wild's James McConie following the event, giving him a taste of worldwide fame.

When asked what it was like to experience some of this fame, he answered "it's pretty mean aye".

As well as the interviews, Robertson-Barnes was recognised by the Crocs brand and has been sent a few pairs of the rubber sandal as recognition for the bizarre feat.

Robertson-Barnes said he would run another race in Crocs and even considers starting an all-Crocs running club.

He says "you don't need the big name running shoes like Nike and Asics to run a good time. "Just remember to wear socks with the Crocs".

Before the race, he realised there was no place to put the transponder - the small timing device attached to the shoe - and so slipped it into his sock which resulted in a blister at the race's end.

As for his next contest, Callum is not sure but he say he often hikes in his Crocs and will continue to do so in the future.