LONDON, March 28 (Xinhua) -- Twice Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will be the official starter of the 2019 London Marathon to be held on April 28, organizers said here on Thursday.

The former world number one, who was the first British man in 77 years to win the Wimbledon singles title in 2013 and repeated the triumph again in 2016, is currently rehabilitating after surgery on his right hip. He has a personal connection with the event as he was there to support his wife Kim when she ran in 2014.

The 31-year-old, who also won successive Olympic gold medals in 2012 and 2016, said, "It's an honour to be asked to start the London Marathon.

"I have nothing but admiration for everyone who runs - I may even run it myself one day."

Last year, Queen Elizabeth II was the official race starter while in 2017 Prince William and his wife and his brother 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 Steve Redgrave and double Olympic champions Helen Glover and Heather Stanning.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the London Marathon, said: "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."