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 fit sprint races. Tunes that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (91–100)

ultra soulB’z

B’z / ultra soul

ultra soulB'z

This is a classic rock number that powerfully sings out a soul’s cry to challenge one’s own limits.

Riding on a sound brimming with intensity and impact, it vividly portrays the meaning of hard work and the passion for achieving goals.

Released in March 2001 as the official theme song for TV Asahi’s “FINA World Championships Fukuoka 2001,” the track became a major hit as B’z’s 31st single.

It has since been used repeatedly at subsequent World Aquatics Championships and the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships.

Its uplifting, powerful melody and positive message make it the ultimate BGM to boost the morale of a team taking on a tug-of-war.

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earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Ketsubou” MV

earnest desireSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.

The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.

The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.

It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.

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[Sports Day] Songs that fit sprint races: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (101–110)

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Live in the present.” Music Video

Live in the present.Saucy Dog

Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.

Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.

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R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

A signature number by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, expressed through a driving EDM sound and a beautiful world like shooting stars coloring the night sky.

Centered on the themes of dreams and the bonds of friendship, it carries a message about cherishing every moment.

Its exhilarating beat and powerful performance uplift listeners and give them the courage to move forward.

Released as a single in June 2014, it was used as the campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) and won the 56th Japan Record Award.

With its up-tempo rhythm and refreshing, summery feel, it’s popular as a relay or cheering song at school sports days and competitions.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to savor the thrill of running full speed ahead or chase dreams together with treasured friends.

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William Tell OvertureJoakīno Rossīni

From William Tell Overture (Rossini) Pianist Yuki Kondo / Rossini: William Tell Overture Finale Piano Solo, Yuki Kondo

William Tell OvertureJoakīno Rossīni

This piece is the overture to the opera Guillaume Tell (William Tell).

It’s one of the most widely known classical works in Japan.

Anyone who hears the opening will surely think, “I know this!” It’s a piece that almost everyone has probably heard at least once at a school sports day.

If you want to compile running background music for a sports day using classical pieces, this one is highly recommended!

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Rocky Theme

Theme of Rocky (Rocky’s Theme)

Rocky Theme

It’s the theme song from the movie Rocky—so famous it hardly needs an introduction! From the intro through the middle it has a melody with a bit of rise and fall, but isn’t it the perfect track to fire you up? It feels great when you can hit the finish line at just the right moment.

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Heaven and HellJakku Offenbakku

Heaven and Hell / Sports Day BGM

Heaven and HellJakku Offenbakku

It’s the operetta Orpheus in the Underworld, composed by Offenbach.

It’s an extremely familiar track as BGM for school sports days and athletic meets! The piece has great impact and really amps up scenes like sprints and relays.

Its various developments evoke the intense atmosphere and happenings unfolding before your eyes—overtaking and being overtaken, dropping the baton!, and so on.

If you’re choosing BGM for a race, you can’t leave this one out!

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