![[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/GWDzKel_vuQ/maxresdefault.webp)
[March, Foot Races, Dance] Energetic songs and the latest hits to liven up a sports day
When it comes to sports day music, many people might think of classical pieces like ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’ (Infernal Galop from ‘Orpheus in the Underworld’).
However, in recent years, more schools have been using pop songs and anime tracks as background music in addition to the classic staples, making the selection more diverse.
In this article, we’ll introduce lively songs that perfectly match the sports day atmosphere—not only long-standing classics but also popular J-POP tunes among elementary and middle school students.
Use this as a reference for your playlist!
[Marching, Racing, and Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Hype Up Sports Day (1–10)
Double Double FIGHT!NEW!CANDY TUNE
How about a cheer song that instantly brightens the atmosphere of a school sports day? It’s a track by CANDY TUNE, born from the idol project KAWAII LAB., released as a digital-only single in April 2024.
The uplifting lyrics, depicting a spirit of getting back up again and again and continuing to take on challenges without giving up, are especially striking.
In 2025, it rapidly gained attention thanks to going viral on TikTok.
Its catchy melody and energetic sound make it perfect as BGM for events like sprints and relays where kids give their all.
Why not send your cheers along with the spirited vocals?
Dear, boyNEW!Hump Back
A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.
Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.
Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.
It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.
AIZONEW!King Gnu
King Gnu, who lead the music scene with their alternative sound and pop sensibilities.
AIZO, themed around conflicting emotions of love and hatred and an urban sense of restlessness, is a rock tune whose breathless, whirlwind development is its biggest draw.
Chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Shibuya Insurrection Part 1, the track was released digitally in January 2026.
Despite its technical arrangement that blends synth bass with live instruments, it boasts overwhelming initial velocity and driving power.
Its hard-hitting, high-attack sound brims with speed—perfect for a heated relay race! It’s sure to stoke the athletes’ fighting spirit and instantly elevate the energy of the entire venue.
-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism
![-ness; typicality; the quality/essence of being [X] (as in “X-ness” or “X-like character”)NEW!Ofisharu Higedan Dism](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/keOnleW2eak/sddefault.jpg)
This is a song that cheers on everyone who keeps moving forward while facing themselves.
Released by Official HIGE DANDism in August 2025 ahead of the film’s premiere, the track was chosen as the theme song for the feature-length anime “Hyaku-Emu,” which opened the following month.
Characterized by a band sound brimming with a sense of speed, the piece—crafted as vocalist Satoshi Fujihara reexamined himself—portrays a strong will to aim for the finish line despite doubt and inner conflict.
It carries an urgency that resonates with the world of the 100-meter dash, making it perfect as BGM for heated competitions like school sprint races and relays.
The exhilarating rush that bursts from the starting dash will greatly boost children’s motivation.
CHARMNEW!WANIMA
This is a song by the band WANIMA, known for messages that powerfully push people forward and a driving, fast-paced beat.
Rooted in a melodic punk sound, it portrays the strength to face ahead while harboring a spirit of challenge and the anxieties of parting, and it sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.
Included on the single “Gotta Go!!” released in May 2017, it has been cherished as an important track that later connected to the album “Everybody!!”.
Many may remember it as it was featured in Kikkoman’s corporate movie and Morinaga’s “In Jelly for Exams” commercial song.
It’s an up-tempo tune recommended not only for runners in a relay who carry everyone’s hopes and pass the baton, but also for those cheering themselves hoarse on the sidelines.
HontoNEW!sumika
sumika is a rock band that energizes people with a bright, pop-infused sound.
This song has been chosen as the theme for the film Doraemon: Nobita and the Undersea Devil’s Castle (New), set for release in February 2026.
It carries a warm message that encourages an adventure to seek one’s own “truth,” embracing emotions and not fearing failure.
It features a universal, easy-to-hum melody and a band sound with a grand sense of scale.
Brimming with positive power, this track is perfect as BGM to cheer on teammates at a sports day, for kids and adults alike.
Run!NEW!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
An up-tempo track that epitomizes early Momoiro Clover Z, with a driving melody and straightforward lyrics that strike a chord.
Released in May 2010 as the B-side to the single “Ikuze! Kaitō Shōjo,” it remains deeply beloved by fans to this day.
The lyrics, portraying a figure pushing past hesitation to move forward, are sure to powerfully encourage children taking on competitions with everything they’ve got.
It was also featured as an insert song in the February 2015 film “The Curtain Rises,” adding a narrative of charging ahead together with comrades.
With fervent calls that unite the entire venue, this song is a perfect cheer anthem for programs where you want to build momentum, such as cheer squad performances or footraces!