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 for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: 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)

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.

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Forward-facing scream!Kanjani∞

Forward-Facing Scream! (Short ver.)

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?

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

A Trumpeter’s HolidayRuroi Andāson

08 Bugler’s Holiday – A Trumpeter’s Holiday

A Trumpeter’s HolidayRuroi Andāson

Composed in 1954 by American musician Leroy Anderson, “Bugler’s Holiday” is a classic staple as background music for sports days and athletic festivals.

Its intricate trumpet passages are distinctive, and listening to it gives you a feeling of being hurried along, as if someone’s giving you a push.

It’s perfect for footraces and relay scenes! If you’re undecided about the BGM, why not give it a try?

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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!

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A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

A bouquet for meAdo

This work offers a refreshing portrayal of the joys and growth of youth.

HoneyWorks’ approachable melodies blend with Ado’s powerful vocals to create a surge of positive energy.

Centered on themes of self-affirmation and gratitude, it celebrates the beauty of looking forward while cherishing the small joys in everyday life.

Released in March 2025, the song was chosen for Coca-Cola’s new commercial and will be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” scheduled for release in April of the same year.

It’s perfect for boosting motivation at school sports days and athletic festivals.

When you want to encourage yourself and take a new step forward, this track will give you the energy you need.

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RunLittle Glee Monster

『Run』 – Little Glee Monster

RunLittle Glee Monster

A positive cheer song born from the collaboration between Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1 and Little Glee Monster.

It delivers a powerful message about the courage to take the first step and the importance of striving toward dreams and goals.

The six members’ overwhelming vocal prowess and harmonies weave a youthful story brimming with energy and hope.

Included on the album “Ambitious,” released in March 2025, it was selected to support new first-year students as they begin their new lives.

Its driving rhythm and uplifting melody are perfect for moments when many people move in unison.

An ideal track for exit music at sports festivals and field days, it’s a song that lets everyone share a refreshing sense of exhilaration.

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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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