Skip to main content

Could you run a marathon in crocs? What’s the fastest finishing time?

Do crocs slow you down?

man wearing crocs
ThePlanetSpeaks / Pexels

Recently, we’ve heard of runners crossing the finish line in carbon-plated sandals and running shoes. I was impressed when I heard about barefoot Bobby, who ran a marathon and races of varying distances with naked feet. Runners are getting creative and conjuring up all sorts of ideas, from no shoes to Crocs. Recently, an Australian runner headed off to the races in a pair of Crocs — the widely known versatile foam shoe. 

Crossing the finish line in Crocs

croc shoe
Ramandeep Singh / Pexels

At the Cadbury Marathon in Tasmania, Australia, Dan Camac became the first runner to break the two-hour and 50-minute mark in a pair of Crocs. He completed the marathon with a recorded time of 2:49:21, wearing vibrant yellow Crocs. 

Recommended Videos

The young runner from Adelaide, Australia, was searching for a new challenge and already owned a pair, so why not? Before Camac slipped on his Crocs and sped off, software engineer Kevin Leimkuhler set the previous world record and ran the New York City marathon in Crocs with a finishing time of two hours and 51 minutes.

Do Crocs slow you down?

crocs on grass
Wolrider / Pexels

Interestingly, Camac was confident he would smash that world record, and he did. Even so, we have to wonder if wearing Crocs slows you down. We don’t have enough evidence or data to come to a clear conclusion about that yet, and most runners choose not to wear them, but we can look at Camac’s experience. 

His previous marathon best was 2:34, which is slower than his Croc-wearing finishing time of 2:49:21. Every minute makes a difference for marathon runners, and for Camac, he claimed sporting those Crocs “sucked” and that he was “fading at the end”. 

Even if you’re not a fan of the appearance of those unique shoes, Crocs have several benefits, including being cushiony, lightweight, and breathable. That being said, unless you’re trying to set an interesting world record, if you’re looking for footwear for your next marathon, you might consider other options. Plus, while many love their trusty Crocs, some fashion gurus say they should be left in the past.

Steph Green
Steph Green is a content writer specializing in healthcare, wellness, and nutrition. With over ten years of experience, she…
Topics
What does grip strength tell you about your risk of chronic disease? New studies
shirtless man in gym doing close grip lat pulldown with cable machine

We often hear fitness buffs discussing bulging biceps, toned triceps, and how to build tree trunk legs on leg day. What’s equally important but not as widely discussed is grip strength. You use your gripping muscles in your hands and wrists every day when you’re doing your functional tasks and when you’re in the gym powering through a deadlift or doing HIIT battle rope exercises like slams, waves, or pulls. Let’s explore the latest research and the importance of grip strength.

Correlations and vital signs

Read more
Can you run the Great Wall of China? The brutal marathon with entrancing scenery
Runners must tackle 5,164 steps and varying terrain to cross the finish line.
the Great wall of China

I enjoy zooming through new places or my favorite trails, draped with those tall, emerald-green oak trees. Running a marathon or simply jogging through your neighborhood is an accomplishment, and for many of us, we get a runner’s high and a rush of feel-good endorphins to go along with it. 

Some marathons are more grueling than others, depending on various factors like the terrain and the weather. Recently, one of the more challenging marathons took the spotlight. While it’s certainly grueling, you’ll also see entrancing scenery and one of the most captivating, historic, cultural landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China. 

Read more
Here’s why Arnie and other champions used this bodybuilding hack 50 years ago
There's good reason why Arnie and other champion weightlifters use this muscle-building method.
Man laying on workout bench doing chest presses with dumbbells

Today, we see numerous fitness influencers sharing their tips and tricks for getting in shape, building serious muscle, or achieving specific goals. Bodybuilding champions like Arnold Schwarzenegger have been inspiring us for decades and sharing tips on how to train smart rather than just training hard and reaching burnout. 

As Arnie recently shared in his Pump Club newsletter, along with his 30-minute dumbbell workout, the goal is to train with intention and include sufficient rest intervals rather than rushing through reps, which can compromise safety and form and push you closer to fatigue and burnout. Recently, a bodybuilding hack that was extremely popular in the 1970s is coming back. Let’s explore time under tension or TUT.

Read more