CHRISTINE KELLER RISES TO THE OCCASION AT PIKES PEAK
Colorado Springs, Colorado – For Christine Keller, volunteering at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb is more than a way to give back. It is a return to a place that has been part of her life since childhood and a connection to her father who first introduced her to racing.
Keller was named the 2026 Harry Martin Rising to the Occasion Volunteer Award recipient, an honor recognizing a PPHC volunteer who goes above and beyond to support fellow volunteers, competitors, spectators and the event.
The award was established in honor of longtime Pikes Peak Hill Climb volunteer Harry Martin. His wife of nearly 50 years, Marianne Martin, wanted to find a way to continue Harry’s legacy at an event he cared deeply about.
“He loved the Hill Climb so much and was involved in it for so many years,” said Marianne.
Each year, event volunteers nominate fellow volunteers based on the actions and interactions they witness throughout Race Week. Marianne presented Keller with a custom award naming her the 2026 Rising to the Occasion winner, a $100 check and, a Culver’s gift card, Harry’s favorite spot to grab a bite.
A LIFELONG CONNECTION TO PIKES PEAK
A Colorado Springs native, Keller grew up attending the Hill Climb with her father, Dave Horton, a motorcycle mechanic who worked on many bikes that competed on Pikes Peak.
Keller first volunteered at the Hill Climb about 30 years ago. After some recent life changes, she decided it was time to get back to doing what she loved and attending events that reminded her of her dad. For the past two years, that has included volunteering at the Hill Climb.
During the 104th Running, Keller volunteered from Friday through Sunday, including at Fan Fest and on Race day. After spending the day checking in campers, she went to bed around 10:30 p.m. By 1:30 a.m., headlights woke her as spectators began arriving.
When additional help was needed, Keller stepped in, helping park vehicles, direct spectators and manage the early-morning rush.
“Just talking to spectators about the Hill Climb and the mountain was so fun,” said Keller. “It’s a good group of volunteers.”
Keller knows Pikes Peak well. During her 20 years working for the City of Colorado Springs, she drove a fuel truck up the mountain. Today, she lives in Florissant and gets a different view of the mountain she has known her entire life.
“I’ve looked at it every day of my life. I love Pikes Peak,” she said. “I spent the first 40 years of my life looking at the front side, and now from my backyard I get to see the back side of Pikes Peak and the W’s. I love it. It’s my identity.”
SHOWING UP
Keller’s love of motorsports started with her dad and continues today. From dirt bikes and sprint cars to motocross and drifting, she will watch just about anything on wheels.
“I love racing,” she said. “Anything that has a motor and wheels, if I get to watch it, it’s awesome.”
For Keller, volunteering is also about being part of her community and giving spectators someone they can depend on for information and direction.
“It gets something done,” she said. “Many of those people that attend need to have somebody to depend on. I think it’s just part of your community.”
Receiving the Rising to the Occasion Award was meaningful for a simple reason.
“I think it means that somebody saw me,” Keller said. “This year, I was doing something I love and having a great time, and somebody recognized that I showed up. That’s what I wanted, for somebody to know that I showed up for them.”
For Keller, it was never about being the hero.
“It’s just that I’m seen.”
Decades after first experiencing the Hill Climb alongside her dad, Keller has found her way back to Pikes Peak, showing up for the event, its spectators and the community that has always felt like home.
ABOUT HARRY MARTIN
Don Sanborn, current president of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Historical Association described Harry Martin and his passion for the race.
“Aside from his family and friends, Harry’s greatest love was always the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. He volunteered in various capacities with the Hill Climb as long as I knew him. What always impressed me about Harry is that no job or position was too large or too small. He loved the race so much that, even if he didn’t have a specified volunteer role, he would just look for things that needed to be done and take care of them. I loved the fact that you could rely on him to be ready to jump in and help wherever a need arose, and you could also count on the job getting done right.”
Volunteer applications for the 105th Running of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb will open in March 2027.
