[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!
- [Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
- [Dance Songs] Recommended for school sports days and athletic festivals! A curated selection of popular tracks that are fun to dance to
- From classics to fan favorites! A catalog of music and BGM to liven up your sports day
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
- [March] Carefully selected popular songs recommended for entrance and exit at sports days and athletic festivals!
- Popular songs recommended for nursery school sports days! A roundup of classic crowd-pleasers and the latest hits
- Recommended exit songs for sports day: A collection of tracks that are perfect for a brisk, quick-march exit.
- Cheer songs to hype up the sports day! A collection of motivational tracks recommended for kids
- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- Perfect for sports day parachute routines! Recommended J-pop songs
[Marching, Sprinting, Dancing] Energetic Songs and the Newest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (181–190)
WA DA DAKep1er
A great recommendation for a sports day dance song is WA DA DA by the Korean girl group Kep1er.
It’s included on their 2022 mini-album FIRST IMPACT.
The dance mixes pop, cute, and cool vibes, and it’s sure to hype up the crowd when performed at a sports day! Since the lyrics encourage everyone to work together toward dreams and goals, it’s also perfect as part of a cheer battle.
Let’s cheer on everyone giving their best at the sports day with a sharp, synchronized dance that can rival theirs!
[Marching, Footraces, Dance] Energetic Songs and the Latest Tracks to Liven Up Sports Day (191–200)
Jamboree Mickey!Marco Marinangeli
An upbeat, catchy melody and fun dance make this track irresistibly appealing.
Produced by Marco Marinangeli, the song serves as the centerpiece of a dance program where you can dance along with Disney characters.
The CD was released in December 2022, with a digital release as well.
It’s a popular song frequently featured on TV, including a performance by Nogizaka46 on the 2019 “FNS Uta no Natsu Matsuri” and a cover by many participating artists as part of a special segment at the 73rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
With a lively, exciting atmosphere that delights children, it’s sure to create unforgettable memories when everyone dances energetically together at a school sports day!
ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE
This track brims with powerful sound and an energetic melody that will set your heart racing.
Released in July 2023, this album by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is packed with a wide range of musical styles, from hard rock to Celtic-inspired elements.
Its uplifting message and hope-filled lyrics are striking, resulting in a work that lets you fully experience Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s signature bright sound.
With an up-tempo feel driven by a four-on-the-floor kick drum that lays down a strong beat, it’s a perfect match for scenes where participants exit at a brisk pace! Be sure to use this piece as background music for a sports day event—it’s guaranteed to boost everyone’s spirits!
Delusion:AllONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK’s songs are known for their emotional lyrics and powerful sound.
In this work, while reflecting social division and the current political climate, it’s crafted to match the world of Kingdom.
The modern sound, strongly influenced by post-hardcore and alternative rock, is striking.
The lyrics carry deep messages—about freedom and sacrifice, and frustration with a society where individual voices go unheard—resonating not only with people living in the present, but also perfectly fitting for students striving for their class in school sports festivals.
DearREOL
Reol’s song, which incorporates elements of electropop, is drawing attention.
Its brisk beat and catchy melody are striking, and its happy, energetic vibe is irresistible.
Released in August 2024, the track further deepens her musical identity.
Packed with a personal message, it empowers listeners.
It’s a perfect song to use for exciting moments at a school sports day, so be sure to check it out.
OrangeSPYAIR
An upbeat tune with a sense of speed, a melody full of exhilaration, and powerful vocals that make your heart leap! It’s a track released in February 2024.
It’s an uplifting song packed with SPYAIR’s charm.
The lyrics, which sing of the courage and hope to keep moving forward, are sure to hype up every scene at a sports day! Created as the theme song for Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle: The Movie, this piece is brimming with a refreshing energy that will make you want to start running.
It’s perfect for a quick marching-off scene, so if it plays at a sports day, I’m sure the excitement will kick in and you’ll feel like you can bring out strength you don’t usually have!
Straight Up feat. KjThe BONEZ
A track defined by its energetic rock sound and powerful vocals.
Born from the collaboration between The BONEZ and Dragon Ash’s Kj, it’s a rebellious, spirit-charged work.
Centered on themes of self-belief and hope for the future, it speaks strongly to listeners’ hearts.
Released in July 2024, it came out around the same time as The BONEZ and Dragon Ash’s joint “Straight Up Tour,” generating major buzz.
The music video is also out, featuring an impressive performance under a bright blue sky.
It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to hype up events like school sports days and festivals.
Definitely worth a listen!