Andy Murray will be the official starter for next month’s London Marathon.
Murray succeeds The Queen, who carried out the task last year, in the role on Sunday April 28.
“It’s an honour to be asked to start the London Marathon,” said Murray, whose wife Kim ran the race in 2014. “It’s such an amazing race that means so much to so many people. It raises millions each year for charity and helps inspire people to get active. I have nothing but admiration for everyone who runs. I may even run it myself one day.”
The 31-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam champion and double Olympic gold medallist, is currently rehabilitating his right hip following surgery back in January in the hope of returning to competitive tennis.
Event director Hugh Brasher said: “Andy is one of Britain’s greatest sporting superstars and it is so fitting he will be the official starter for one of the country’s greatest sporting events and the world’s greatest marathon.”
