Sports
SBT participates in ‘Over the Top’ Trail Race at City Creek Trail System
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes property sign shown at City Creek Trail System in Pocatello.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Office of Public Affairs
POCATELLO — The scenic City Creek Trail System served as the backdrop for the annual Over the Top Trail Race on Saturday, May 10 where the route goes through lands of deep cultural and historical significance to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
Before runners took off, Fort Hall Business Council Treasurer Ladd Edmo addressed the crowd with words that connect the land and its history to the present-day community. As a longtime supporter of the race, Edmo has participated in seven of its eight years. He talked about how he explored the terrain on foot and by bike.
Edmo shared the historical significance of the area, explaining that the trails cut through the original boundaries of the Fort Hall Reservation. “The original reservation stretched from Blackfoot to Malad, east to Chesterfield, and west to American Falls,” he said — encompassing roughly 1.8 million acres before the city of Pocatello was founded in 1889. Over time, the Tribes ceded portions of that land to the U.S. government for settlement.
Fort Hall Business Council treasurer Ladd Edmo speaks to trail race participants in
Pocatello on May 10.
Edmo told participants the Tribes have been living here for generations, “We are natural stewards of this land and advocate for the protection of its natural resources. Take in the beauty of these trails — and respect them.”
He emphasized the importance of community, shared responsibility, and passing on values to the next generation. “It’s about communication, working together, and moving forward — for our youth, for our future,” he said. “It’s good to see so many young people and participants out here, taking care of their health and connecting with nature.”
With the crowd energized and ready, Edmo took on another important role by firing the starting gun to officially kick off the race.
Race Director Melissa Arrington praised Edmo’s ongoing support as his presence has become a meaningful tradition to the race.
FHBC treasurer Ladd Edmo fires the starting gun.
“Councilman Edmo has been a tremendous advocate for the land and the history it holds,” she said. “Many runners have told me his words really grounded them before the race.”
This year’s race drew 260 participants across ages and multiple distances — 3 miles, 5 miles, 10 miles, and 25K (16.4 miles). Arrington hopes to see Tribal participation next year.
