A Tribute to Marc Horan, a Cornerstone of the Boulder Climbing Community
Marc Horan was a cornerstone of the Boulder, Colorado climbing community. His infectious love for climbing radiated far beyond the crag, touching everyone who crossed his path. His deep sense of stewardship for the sport was evident in every aspect of his life—even in how it ended. Marc tragically fell to his death while trying to leave a climbing area better than he found it. On March 23, 2025, he passed doing what he loved most, surrounded by his partner, his bonus daughter, and close friends.
Together with his childhood friend Andrew “Boots” Davenport, Marc taught himself to climb at the age of 16. They learned by rigging rappels from anything they could find—rails, fence posts—whatever would help them master their systems. Ragged Mountain in the Adirondacks became one of Marc’s early stomping grounds, home to some of the most sandbagged climbs in the county.
He attended Unity College, though academics often took a backseat to climbing. He and his roommate Alex DeLucia spent more time on the rock than in the classroom. During college, Marc and his friend Anson McNulty set out on a six-week road trip—an experience so transformative that Marc eventually left school to fully pursue a life of adventure. The friendships he formed during those Unity College years became some of the most enduring in his life.
On sunny days, you could often find Marc soloing the Wind Tower in Eldorado Canyon State Park. He was a familiar face in the community—always recognized, always remembered. No one walked away from an encounter with Marc untouched by his joy, kindness, and love for life.
Marc valued connection over competition. He was the kind of person who would take anyone out for their first multipitch climb, regardless of experience or skill. Everyone was welcome. He had a habit of gifting obscure climbing gear and often gave entire racks to new climbers. He once lent his friend Athena Jin a #8 cam and asked only for a photo of her placing it in return. Climbing with Marc meant safety without ego, encouragement without pressure. He would always retreat without hesitation if a partner felt unsure. To climb with Marc was to feel seen, supported, and safe—it was to know what a truly good-hearted human looked like.
Marc and his partner, Sarah Zubrin, spent nearly all their free time adventuring together. They especially loved skiing in Crested Butte, their favorite resort in Colorado. They had set a goal to ski the 10 steepest in-bounds lines in North America and had recently begun training for an ascent of the Matterhorn in 2026.
No tribute to Marc would be complete without mentioning his love for the Grateful Dead. He was on a personal mission to tick off every Dead-themed climb in Colorado—a passion project that brought him endless joy. Marc also fought and overcame many personal battles, including alcoholism. His seven years of sobriety stand testament to his strength and resilience.
Affectionately known as “Marky Love” or the “Offwidth Princess” (thanks to his uncanny ability to face climb offwidths), Marc’s presence will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, generosity, and adventure—a life lived wide open.
Sarah Zubrin was Marc’s partner in life, climbing, and recovery.
You can support Marc’s family here.
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