Ridiculously awesome sporting events in 2016

With the new year smacking us in the face – whether we want it to or not – it is important to pay homage to the great sporting events of last year.

Last year was jam-packed with many sporting memories from rugby to the martial arts. Some tournaments were held right in our backyard for the first time. Other annual events that kept the crowds coming back for more physical entertainment yet again, wowed all.

• Hearts pound at Valentine’s run

The Randburg Harriers KFC 10km Night Race was a run of love. At the blow of the whistle, the fancy-dressed runners took to the streets of Malanshof and ran through neighbouring suburbs. Every year this is one of the most anticipated running races that attract runners from the very young to the experienced veterans.

• Currie Cup match played at Diggers Rugby Club

Morgan Group Diggers Rugby Football Club hosted the Xerox Golden Lions and Toyota Cheetahs in their Currie Cup match. The Lions could not stop the attacking force that was the Cheetahs, who won 29–15. A sea of red supporters could be seen on the stands as local fans piled into the ground to support their beloved Lions team. CEO of the Golden Lions Rugby Union, Rudolf Straeuli said they were delighted to be bringing Lions rugby back to club rugby.

• True colours shown at Premier Hockey League

The Premier Hockey League (PHL) ran at the Randburg Astro in Malanshof over four weekends from 3 – 25 September. The inaugural PHL featured six men’s teams and six women’s teams, playing in two gender-based competitions. The men’s final saw Milo Maropeng Cavemen beat Every Sun Addo Elephants 2 – 0. In the woomen’s final, the Nestlé Pure Life Blyde River Bunters beat Ezee Tile Madikwe Rangers 3 – 1.

• Punches and kicks for South Africa

South Africa had the honour of hosting the 10th annual World Martial Arts Games at the TicketPro Dome. Martial arts competitors from around the world came to the dome to compete in the different disciplines including Korean and Japanese empty hand forms, wooden and bladed weapons, karate-kumite, Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, traditional forms, grappling, breaking events, sparring and team events.

• Randburg goes to Safa tournament

Randburg Football Club Women in Football, dominated the South African Football Association’s (Safa) regional tournament. The Safa Joburg team beat all the regions and played in the final against Safa Tshwane. The game ended in a 1–1 draw and penalties ensued which ended in a 3 – 0 win to Safa Joburg.

• Thousands of cyclists brave the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge

Thousands of cyclists from all over Gauteng and even from across the border congregated at Riversands to compete in the 20th annual Telkom Cycle Challenge. Close to 30 000 cyclists tackled the 94.7km route, which saw the City of Johannesburg shut down streets across the city to enhance the safety of the cyclists during the race. Brandon Davids took home the bragging rights after crossing the finish line first. The women’s race was won by Germany’s Charlotte Becker.