[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 go well with footraces. Songs that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (21–30)
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
It’s Ichizu that really amps up the footrace—one of the main events at any sports day.
Released in 2021 by the rock band King Gnu, known for hits like Hakujitsu, the song was chosen as the theme for the film Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
With its driving guitar riff and fiery band groove, it delivers a real sense of speed.
Among their tracks, its relatively simple instrumentation makes it perfect as background music for a race.
Let this up-tempo rock number get both the runners and the audience pumped!
IdeaHoshino Gen
Idea, a song written by Gen Hoshino as the theme for the NHK morning drama Half Blue, has become popular across a wide range of age groups.
It’s often chosen as a favorite by elementary school students, so playing it for the sprint races at a school sports day is sure to get everyone excited! Both the runners and the cheering section will be full of energy with their favorite tune.
It’s the perfect BGM to match their hard work!
[Sports Day] Songs that go well with footraces: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (31–40)
Decisive Battle SpiritCHiCO with HoneyWorks
A hot, high-energy youth anthem, “Kessen Spirit.” It’s a song by CHiCO with HoneyWorks that was used as the ending theme for the anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.
Plenty of kids in elementary school and up know CHiCO with HoneyWorks, right? As you’d expect from the ending theme of a coming-of-age volleyball series, this track is sure to fire up anyone striving in sports.
Its lyrics about facing hardships will give you strength when you listen while running!
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
The title also feels suited to a footrace, but thanks to Sukima Switch’s refreshing vocals and melody, it’s not just about running—it’s a song that perfectly fits a sports day under a clear autumn sky.
I think it’s a track packed with all the best aspects of J-pop.
room for growthCreepy Nuts
Creepy Nuts is a hip-hop duo beloved by music fans of all kinds, transcending the boundaries of the hip-hop scene.
Their song Nobishiro, included on their 2021 release Case, is a pop track with a gentle vibe.
Its warm lyrics, delivered with a rhythmic flow, are deeply moving.
It’s a song that makes you feel the potential of the future, so it’s sure to cheer on the athletes who take center stage in track events.
Why not play it at your school sports day?
Blue Storynaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is supported by a wide range of generations.
The song they created as a tie-in with Sea Breeze is “Blue Story.” It’s a refreshing track themed around youth.
In the commercial, the song plays over scenes of members Shunsuke Michieda and Kento Nagao running on a field, so many people probably associate it with a “sports day song.” Of course, even if you haven’t seen the commercial, the passionate lyrics and sound are sure to boost your motivation to run.
Csikos PostHeruman Nekke
The piece “Csikós Post” was composed by Hermann Necke, a German composer from the Romantic era.
“Csikós” means “horse rider” in Hungarian, and “Post” means “mail” in German.
Considering the meanings of the words and actually listening to the music, it’s truly perfect for a footrace! It’s often used at school sports days as well, so I highly recommend it!