Travis Meier, a Minneapolis runner, carried an 18-pound canoe during the Twin Cities Marathon, leading to his disqualification. Meier aimed to protest mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness. He had not received permission from the race organizers.

Meier plans to run 52 marathons with a canoe in a year to raise awareness. He has already completed the Gandy Dancer and Mankato Marathons. His protest targets a resolution that overturned a federal ban on mining. Read more culture coverage.

Meier trains with a heavier canoe and worries about wind on race day. He hopes his actions will inspire a broader movement to protect public lands. Related: Apple Watch Series 12 Aids Marathon Training and Race Day.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.