Andy Garcia memorial run Sept. 6 Andy Garcia memorial run Sept. 6 (August 25, 2004)

The third annual Andy Garcia Memorial 5K Run-Walk-Bike event takes off on Labor Day, September 6, from Triangle Park in Portola Valley.

The event commemorates the birthday (August 28) of Mr. Garcia, who lost his life in the United Airlines Flight 93 crash on September 11, 2001, in Pennsylvania. This would have been his 65th birthday.

The Garcia family, including his wife Dorothy and their children -- Kelly, Audrey and Andrew -- has lived in Portola Valley since 1976. He and his wife founded a business representing manufacturers.

"We've had amazing support from the community since the tragedy of 9-11," said Kelly Garcia Arrillaga, his daughter.

For the past two years, many families, friends and pets have come out for the event on foot, on bikes, in strollers, and even on roller blades, she said.

"It has really been a wonderful tribute to my dad."

Participants will warm up at 8:45 a.m. Monday, September 6, at Triangle Park, located at the intersection of Alpine and Portola roads in Portola Valley. The run starts at 9 a.m. and finishes back at the park. The town of Portola Valley has planted a tree and installed a plaque at the park in Mr. Garcia's memory.

Children are definitely welcome, and people can either walk, run or bike.

Again this year, there will be free coffee, pastries and water at the park after the event. Commemorative T-shirts will be available.

Information also will be available about the permanent Flight 93 National Memorial. It was authorized by legislation passed by Congress and signed by President George W. Bush on September 24, 2002. The memorial will be a place to learn about events of September 11 and to honor the passengers and crewmembers of Flight 93.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.