[Sports Day] Songs for footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [classics & J-pop]
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!
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[Sports Day] Songs that match footraces. Tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑POP] (71–80)
life-formHoshino Gen
An upbeat track with a life-affirming melody and Gen Hoshino’s high-tone vocals that set your heart dancing! Released in August 2023 and chosen as the theme song for the World Athletics Championships, this is an energetic cheer song through and through.
Its irresistibly driving groove seems like a perfect fit for all-out sprints and relays.
It’s sure to amp up every scene at a school sports day.
With this song, kids will surely feel the joy of running.
Galop of the ClownsDomitorī Kabarefusukī
Among Kabalevsky’s works, the most famous piece is “Galop” from The Comedians.
It’s a classic you often hear during school sports days or race scenes! Just hearing that tumbling xylophone makes you feel like your legs will spin faster, doesn’t it? It’s a high-energy, sprinting piece that feels like it hits the climax right from the opening, so it’s perfect for getting the excitement going from the very first runner! Highly recommended if you’re looking for classical background music.
No.1DISH//
A powerful anthem that sings of the strength to keep moving forward as your true self.
Set to a driving blend of piano and guitar rock, DISH//’s passionate vocals resonate deeply in the heart.
Many will find courage in its message: don’t fear challenges—forge ahead on your own path, not someone else’s.
Released in May 2021 as their 13th single, the song was chosen as the opening theme for the first cour of Season 5 of the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV anime My Hero Academia.
It’s a track that mirrors the journeys of young people pursuing their dreams—perfect for when you need the courage to take that first step forward.
superstarKetsumeishi
This song celebrates recognizing the potential and talent hidden within yourself and letting them shine.
Its empowering message—that everyone has a unique brilliance—blends beautifully with the pop sound.
Ketsumeishi’s positive lyrics and catchy melody carry a warm, gentle push for listeners.
Released in November 2020, it was chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi anime Crayon Shin-chan.
The music video, filmed in India, also captures the song’s bright and uplifting worldview.
It’s a perfect fit as a cheer song for school events like sports festivals, and for anyone seeking encouragement to discover their true self.
Clarinet Polka
Polka is a dance that originated in the Czech Republic.
It’s characterized by a fast tempo in a duple (2-beat) rhythm.
That makes it perfect as background music for a footrace.
As you can see in the video we’re sharing, the light, buoyant feel of the music might even carry you along and help you run faster.
“Polka” is a general term for a musical genre, so there are many pieces beyond this one.
Try looking around and find a work that matches your own image.
It might even be fun to go all-in on polkas.
Raideenierō majikku ōkesutora
Some of you might find yourselves getting excited from just the opening notes of a song.
This track is by Yellow Magic Orchestra, the group that sparked a new wave in the music scene from the 1970s into the 1980s.
Released in 1980 as their second single, it became a huge hit.
Its fast-paced, sci-fi-tinged electronic sound really pumps you up.
Though it’s been some time since its release, it remains a timeless masterpiece.
Use it as background music for a sprint and your legs are sure to carry you forward.
Clash! Gourmet RaceIshikawa Jun
If you like video games, you’ve probably heard this tune: Kirby’s game BGM “Clash! Gourmet Race.” It originally plays in the Gourmet Race mode of the Super Famicom title “Kirby Super Star,” but since it’s also used in games like Smash Bros., I think many of you are familiar with it.
By the way, Gourmet Race is a mini-game where Kirby and King Dedede compete in a race, so it’s the perfect track for a footrace! Just listening to it makes you feel like you’ve got to start running.
