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: tracks that make kids want to run [Classics & J‑Pop] (41–50)

Clash! Gourmet RaceIshikawa Jun

[5-Minute Work BGM] Clash! Gourmet Race BGM

Clash! Gourmet RaceIshikawa Jun

If you like video games, you’ve probably heard this tune: Kirby’s game BGM “Clash! Gourmet Race.” It originally plays in the Gourmet Race mode of the Super Famicom title “Kirby Super Star,” but since it’s also used in games like Smash Bros., I think many of you are familiar with it.

By the way, Gourmet Race is a mini-game where Kirby and King Dedede compete in a race, so it’s the perfect track for a footrace! Just listening to it makes you feel like you’ve got to start running.

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The Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov

Rimsky-Korsakov (arr. Mariko Endo) Flight of the Bumblebee – Virtuoso Version, Aile Orchestra

The Flight of the BumblebeeNikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov

The Flight of the Bumblebee is characterized by a speedy main melody that feels as if you’re tumbling down a slope.

It was composed by the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

Owing to its rapid tempo, it’s also known as a virtuosic showpiece—there’s even a Guinness World Record for how fast someone can perform The Flight of the Bumblebee on guitar.

The music truly evokes the image of a bumblebee buzzing frenetically about.

It seems perfect for events where lots of people are dashing around, like a fast-paced competition.

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100% CourageHikaru GENJI

100% Courage (Nintama Rantarō Season 1 Opening)

100% CourageHikaru GENJI

Yuki 100% is also beloved as a classic sports day song.

Originally by Hikaru GENJI, it’s known as the theme song for the anime Nintama Rantarō.

The lyrics portray striving toward one’s dreams, so whether you know it from the anime or not, it’s sure to lift your spirits when you listen.

Incidentally, in recent years Hey! Say! JUMP’s cover version has been used as the opening theme, so that would be a good option to prepare as well.

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So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster “So, You’re Not Alone” Music Video Short Ver.

So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster

One of Little Glee Monster’s signature songs, “Dakara, Hitorijanai” (“That’s Why You’re Not Alone”).

It’s a popular anthem used in various situations.

Its moderate sense of speed and the message embedded in the title—“you’re not alone”—are sure to resonate with runners.

This bright, well-loved track is perfect for the main race at a school sports day! If you’re looking for pop BGM, definitely give it a listen!

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Galop of the ClownsDomitorī Kabarefusukī

Clowns’ Gallop - Footrace BGM - Sports Day / Athletic Festival

Galop of the ClownsDomitorī Kabarefusukī

Among Kabalevsky’s works, the most famous piece is “Galop” from The Comedians.

It’s a classic you often hear during school sports days or race scenes! Just hearing that tumbling xylophone makes you feel like your legs will spin faster, doesn’t it? It’s a high-energy, sprinting piece that feels like it hits the climax right from the opening, so it’s perfect for getting the excitement going from the very first runner! Highly recommended if you’re looking for classical background music.

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Raideenierō majikku ōkesutora

YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA “RYDEEN” (HD Remaster · Short ver.)

Raideenierō majikku ōkesutora

Some of you might find yourselves getting excited from just the opening notes of a song.

This track is by Yellow Magic Orchestra, the group that sparked a new wave in the music scene from the 1970s into the 1980s.

Released in 1980 as their second single, it became a huge hit.

Its fast-paced, sci-fi-tinged electronic sound really pumps you up.

Though it’s been some time since its release, it remains a timeless masterpiece.

Use it as background music for a sprint and your legs are sure to carry you forward.

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Outside the dreamHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Into the Outside of the Dream (Official Video)

Outside the dreamHoshino Gen

Hoshino Gen’s third single, released in 2012.

With its gently strummed guitar and easygoing tempo, it’s the kind of song that makes viewers feel warm and relaxed—perfect for a footrace, don’t you think? I feel like a lot of Hoshino Gen’s songs are easy to use in many different situations.

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