British sporting icon Sir Andy Murray will be the official starter of the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon. The tennis superstar, one of Britain’s greatest ever athletes, will start the world’s greatest marathon on Sunday 28 April.
Andy became the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon singles title in 2013 and repeated the triumph again in 2016. He won successive Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016 with the first of those coming at Wimbledon as part of the London Olympic Games.
The 31-year-old, who grew up in Dunblane, Scotland, also won the US Open in 2012 and in 2014 famously led Great Britain to a first Davis Cup title since 1936. He was the world’s number one ranked player from November 2016 to August 2017. He was knighted in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List.
Andy, who is currently rehabilitating after surgery on his right hip, has a personal connection with the event as he was there to support his wife Kim when she ran in 2014.
Andy commented: “It’s an honour to be asked to start the London Marathon. 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.”
Last year, Her Majesty The Queen was the official race starter while in 2017 the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry pressed the famous red button to get the marathon under way. The official starters over the years have also included five time Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave and double Olympic champions Helen Glover and Heather Stanning.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “Sir Andy Murray is one of Britain’s greatest sporting superstars and it is so fitting that he will be the official starter for one of the country’s greatest sporting events and the world’s greatest marathon.
“Andy is renowned as one of the toughest and most competitive sportsmen on the planet and someone who does not recognise barriers in sport. We are delighted that he will be with us on Sunday 28 April to start the field of 42,000 runners undertaking the legendary 26.2 mile challenge – including both the very best marathon runners in the world and thousands of first-timers who have been inspired to get active and raise money for charity.”
