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

ImaginationNEW!SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Imagination” TV anime “Haikyu!!” opening theme

If you want to amp up an already heated competition, you can’t go without this band’s blazing rock sound.

SPYAIR’s single released in April 2014 is an undeniable upper-tune that’s sure to fire up any relay race at a school sports day.

Chosen as the opening theme for the first season of the TV anime Haikyu!!, the track’s powerful drum rhythms and crisp guitar work create an exhilarating sense of speed.

It peaked at No.

9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was later included on the acclaimed album BEST.

With a passionate theme about passing the baton among teammates, it pushes excitement during competition to the max.

It’s the perfect number for relay events that test teamwork, giving runners a strong push forward.

Run!NEW!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoiro Clover Z [MV] Hashire! - PLAY ACTIVE! 2022 ver. -

An up-tempo track that epitomizes early Momoiro Clover Z, with a driving melody and straightforward lyrics that strike a chord.

Released in May 2010 as the B-side to the single “Ikuze! Kaitō Shōjo,” it remains deeply beloved by fans to this day.

The lyrics, portraying a figure pushing past hesitation to move forward, are sure to powerfully encourage children taking on competitions with everything they’ve got.

It was also featured as an insert song in the February 2015 film “The Curtain Rises,” adding a narrative of charging ahead together with comrades.

With fervent calls that unite the entire venue, this song is a perfect cheer anthem for programs where you want to build momentum, such as cheer squad performances or footraces!

Tontsukatan-tanNEW!Kureijī Wowuwo!!

Crazy Wow Wow!! "Tontsu Katan Tan" music video

Crazy WowWow!! is a band with irresistibly fast beats that make you want to take off running, and playful sounds like handclaps.

This track they released in October 2025 is packed with an upbeat vibe that laughs off everyday struggles and plenty of crowd-pleasing call-and-response chants.

Sparked by its animated music video and dance clips on social media, it became a major hit and is loved by many.

With a catchy melody that sticks in your head after just one listen, it’s sure to give runners a strong push forward.

Play it during a heated baton handoff and your field day is guaranteed to get even more exciting.

Dear, boyNEW!Hump Back

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

A major-label debut single from Hump Back whose exhilarating rock sound sets your heart on fire.

Written by vocalist Momoko Hayashi with her high school bandmates in mind, this song is a cheer anthem that stands by the anxieties and setbacks of chasing dreams and gives you the courage to face forward again.

Released in June 2018, it was featured in numerous tie-ins, including the Shinken Zemi High School Course TV commercial and as the theme song for Kumamoto Asahi Broadcasting’s “102nd National High School Baseball Championship Kumamoto Tournament.” Its straightforward, powerful message and driving melody are a perfect match for a heated relay race.

It’s sure to give a strong push to the runners passing the baton, so consider choosing it as BGM to fire up your sports day.

Headlong MarchNEW!SUPER EIGHT

Kanjani Eight – Reckless March (from KANJANI∞ STADIUM LIVE 18 Festival)

Here’s an energetic number that gives a powerful push to anyone listening.

It’s a single released by SUPER EIGHT in December 2014, chosen as the theme song for the Saturday drama “Hell Teacher Nūbē” on Nippon TV, starring Ryuhei Maruyama.

Combining a driving band sound with vibrant brass tones, it delivers a sense of forward momentum.

The song carries a message about keeping up the challenge even if you’re awkward at it, stoking the fighting spirit of runners passing the relay baton.

It’s perfect as BGM for heated competitions when you want to hype up the entire venue!

Standing on stageNEW!YOASOBI

YOASOBI "Stand on the Stage" Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s song gives a powerful push to those heading for the big stage.

Released in July 2024, it was newly written as NHK Sports Theme 2024, adding color to broadcasts of sporting events like the Paris Olympics.

Its exhilarating guitar rock sound and ikura’s wind-slicing vocals set listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Based on a collection of novels born from works by three manga artists including Taizan 5, its strong message—deftly capturing athletes’ inner turmoil and the expectations around them—is another major draw.

Play it during a heated relay, and it’s sure to spur the runners’ strides with even greater force!

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.NEW!Sambomasutā

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.

This is a gem of a cheer song performed by Sambomaster, a rock band that sets listeners’ hearts ablaze.

Its powerful message transforms feelings of near-giving-up into forward-looking energy, and Takashi Yamaguchi’s earnest vocals strongly push the runners from behind.

Released in February 2010 as the CM song for Nissan’s Serena, this single has remained beloved, later being chosen as the image song for the drama Cheer☆Dan.

It’s the perfect number to heat up the venue as BGM that supports the tense moment of passing the baton and the anchor’s all-out final sprint.