Wonderful sports day / athletic festival

[Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

The footrace event, the climax of any sports day! It gets everyone fired up—both the kids running and the adults watching.

And to make the race even more exciting, you can’t go without the right BGM.

Here, we’ve put together a selection of recommended songs for footrace events.

From timeless classics you’ve surely heard before to the latest buzzworthy J-pop hits, we’ve curated tracks that people of all generations can enjoy.

Every song is full of sprinting energy and is sure to double the excitement of the competition! Use this as a guide to help bring your sports day to life!

[Sports Day] Songs that match footraces. Tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑POP] (71–80)

Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaJohann Strauss II

Johann Strauss II, Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka

Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaJohann Strauss II

A lively, spirited polka in true Johann Strauss II style: the Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka! In Japan, you often hear this piece at elementary school sports days.

“Tratsch” is German for gossip, and the polka is said to depict street-corner chatter and rumors.

It doesn’t quite reach a state of high tension, but it has a pleasantly brisk, driving feel.

Perfect as BGM for elementary school footraces!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

This is a dynamic track that feels as refreshing as the breeze of an ekiden relay.

The vocals convey both strength and intimate warmth, and the rhythm—featuring an effective Latin groove—leaves a strong impression.

It portrays the challenges of sports, the bonds with teammates, and the joy of personal growth in a way anyone can relate to.

Released in January 2025, the song has been used across various contexts, including an ekiden event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the film “Kaminofude,” and Honda’s new Odyssey web commercial.

It’s a heartfelt anthem that gently supports those taking a new step forward—perfect not only for sports days and athletic festivals, but as an encouraging song that truly resonates.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

HuntingJohann Strauss II

Polka “The Hunt” composed by Johann Strauss II

HuntingJohann Strauss II

The polka is a dance tune in duple meter that’s often used at events like school sports days.

Even if you don’t know the title, it’s one of those “I’ve heard this before!” pieces.

This song is one of those too—it’s a number from a Viennese operetta, but it’s also a classic track for footraces.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON’s third major-label single, released in 2014.

It’s lively right from the start and keeps up a full-on sense of speed to the very end.

The music video is all about running too, so it might be perfect for runners.

It’s the kind of song that makes you want to take off and run when you listen to it.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Highest Altitude” ONE PIECE Lyric MV

Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI

A song whose kindness and strength, embedded in SEKAI NO OWARI’s lyrics, resonate deeply.

With its powerful message of turning weakness into an ally and soaring high, it’s sure to encourage everyone.

Chosen as the opening theme for the anime ONE PIECE starting in September 2023, this track’s exhilarating melody and uplifting lyrics are perfect for energizing a school sports day race! It also makes an ideal cheer song that gently supports children from behind.

With warm lyrics that feel as if they’re speaking directly to you, both adults and kids are sure to feel uplifted.

Overlapping with the sight of children running, it promises a moving experience that will make your heart tremble.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

RunnerSanpuraza Nakano-kun

[MV] Sunplaza Nakano-kun “Runner (Heisei 30 Ver.)” [Full ver.]

RunnerSanpuraza Nakano-kun

A signature song by Bakufu Slump: “Runner.” In 2018, marking 30 years since its release, vocalist Sunplaza Nakano released a solo version, “Runner (Heisei 30 Ver.).” The song was created with a track-and-field setting in mind, and in the Heisei 30 version’s music video, various people take on the role of runners, passing the baton along.

It’s the perfect track for a footrace!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

LiSA “Gurenge” -MUSiC CLiP- (Anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Tanjiro Kamado: Unwavering Resolve Arc Opening Theme)

Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA

This song depicts the courage to face adversity, with a powerful rock sound and a richly projected vocal that represents modern anime.

It captures the indomitable spirit of a protagonist striving to overcome countless hardships and the strong will to protect loved ones, resulting in a striking piece.

LiSA’s vocals brilliantly convey the story’s themes.

Released in April 2019, it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, became a massive hit, and earned numerous accolades, including an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its dynamic, high-impact sound is perfect for sports days and athletic festivals, and it also works great as a rousing cheer song everyone can enjoy together.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem