The Times of London

1st January 1882

The government of H. R. H. Queen Victoria hereby announces and declares Royal Sponsorship of The Grand Ellipse; namely a Race open to Competitors from all the lands of the British Empire and other Civilized Nations.

Competitors shall present themselves to duly appointed Representatives of Her Majesty at twelve points en route, in an order to be specified at the Commencement of the Grand Ellipse. The first Competitor to return thereafter to the Start of the Grand Ellispe in London shall be proclaimed the Victor.

The sole Victor will be awarded a prize of £500, a Peerage of the British Empire, and a Private Audience with Her Majesty.

The Route of the Grand Ellipse will be announced at Buckingham Palace at twelve of the clock, noon, on 1st February, 1882, with the Competition to commence immerdiately thereafter.

Her Majesty's Government shall obtain and procure all necessary Visas, Traveller's Documents, &c., for Competitors in the Grand Ellipse. Competitors who are not Her Majesty's subjects must petition their repsective Governments for Current and Valid Passports.