[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)
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
WANIMA has lots of upbeat, catchy songs that are great for sports days.
Among them, “Yatte Miyou” feels perfect as background music for events.
Since it’s based on the English nursery rhyme “The Picnic” (Teddy Bears’ Picnic), even parents who don’t know the band might think, “I’ve heard this before!”
idolYOASOBI
A track marked by exhilarating, fast-paced sound and powerful vocals.
It feels like it captures the very heat of a footrace.
Released digitally in April 2023 as the opening theme for the anime “Oshi no Ko,” it sparked major buzz.
With lyrics depicting the front and back, the light and shadow of idols, this song will make anyone want to run at full speed.
Play it at a sports day, and it’s sure to bring athletes and spectators together in excitement.
Paired with the children’s vibrant energy, it’s bound to become an unforgettable memory.
Carmen PreludeJoruju Bize
The prelude to Act 1 of Bizet’s opera Carmen.
This piece is so popular that you’ve probably heard it at least once, right? It’s often used in TV shows and commercials, and it’s a staple at school sports days too! Fast-tempo music like this is perfect for sprint scenes.
Since it’s known across generations, it’s sure to boost the excitement of both runners and spectators!
[Sports Day] Songs that go well with footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (81–90)
Polka: “Thunderclap and Lightning”Johann Strauss II
As the title suggests, this is a very powerful piece.
Johann Strauss II composed it for the Artists’ Association “Hesperus.” While the opening might make it seem tense, the overall mood is actually very bright.
It’s also a familiar track often used as background music at sports days, so many people may have heard it.
The cymbals and bass drum stand out vividly, lifting the energy not only of the runners but also the audience.
It’s a highly recommended piece that really gets you pumped up when you listen to it!
Maru Maru Mori Mori!Kaoru to Tomoki, tama ni Mukku.
Highly recommended for nursery and kindergarten sports days is this song.
It was used as the theme for the drama “Marumo no Okite” and sparked a social craze along with the dance by Mana Ashida and Fuku Suzuki.
Some people may have learned it back then and can still dance it today.
Its melody sticks in your head after just one listen, and the overall tone is truly adorable.
It’s a perfect pop number to further liven up a lively sports day, and one that both children and adults can enjoy.
chantAdo
A track defined by its energetic beat and Ado’s powerful vocals! Released digitally in September 2023, the song also drew attention through a collaboration with USJ’s Halloween event.
Its exotic vibe, reminiscent of Indian music, is especially captivating.
It won broad support, including spending seven consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard JAPAN Streaming Songs chart.
The lyrics carry a message of unleashing your talent and moving forward, making it perfect for giving you a push in races like sprints or relays.
Listen to this song, and you’ll feel like running at full speed!
Forward-facing scream!Kanjani∞
The bright and energetic songs of Kanjani Eight are perfect for a fun, exciting sports day! Among them, “Maemuki Scream!” released in 2015, is a track that serves as a cheer song for those about to take on a competition.
At sports days, there are not only people who are good at events but also many who find them challenging.
This song gives energy to those who feel it’s not their strong suit, encouraging them to focus on having fun first and keep a positive attitude! How about playing it during the sprint races or the entrance march to lift up the children participating and energize the whole atmosphere?
