[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 match footraces. Tunes that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (51–60)
YOUNG BLOODONE N’ ONLY
A danceable number is perfect for an intense sprint event! “YOUNG BLOOD,” released in 2022 by the music group ONE N’ ONLY, who are active on radio and TV, is a track filled with passionate emotion.
It’s crafted as EDM with the weighty feel of deep house.
With its energetic melody line throughout, it’s sure to boost the athletes’ momentum.
It’s also a number that will get supporters hyped, with clapping and dancing to cheer them on.
Odoru Pompoko RinGōruden Bonbā
No explanation needed—when it comes to the beloved national anime Chibi Maruko-chan, this is the song.
Starting with B.B.
Queens, and later E-girls, Momoiro Clover Z, and the band we’re introducing here, Golden Bomber, many famous artists have sung it.
Honestly, it’s harder to find someone who doesn’t know it.
If you need a track for a little child giving their all in a footrace, this is the one I recommend first.
Actually, it would fit just about any scene at a school sports day.
Make your event even more fun with Odoru Pompokolin!
New EraAdo
This song, which drew attention as the theme for the film ONE PIECE FILM RED, carries a message of hope for the future and transformation.
With Ado’s powerful vocals and Yasutaka Nakata’s production, it leaves a strong impression on listeners.
Conveying a positive message about forging a path to the future through music while facing real-life hardships, it’s a perfect anthem to cheer on children taking on their big moment.
Play it as background music for a race, and the entire venue will be filled with excitement.
Ashura-chanAdo
Singer Ado, who sparked a social phenomenon with the huge hit “Usseewa,” is especially popular among teens.
Her 2021 release “Ashura-chan” is a rock tune that’s perfect as BGM for track events.
It was chosen as the theme song for the seventh season of the drama “Doctor-X: Surgeon Michiko Daimon.” The song also drew attention for being produced by Neru, a Vocaloid producer known for hits like “Lost One no Goukoku.” Ado’s powerful vocals ring out over technical guitar work.
Its uptempo rhythm is sure to boost the runners’ speed! Try playing this track to raise the energy level across the entire sports festival venue.
[Sports Day] Songs that fit sprint races. Tunes that make kids want to run [Classics & J-POP] (61–70)
together; along with; bothWANIMA
A track that makes your heart leap with its exhilarating melody and KENTA’s powerful vocals! Released in January 2018, it’s quintessential WANIMA—bright, explosive energy that’s perfect for sports days and athletic festivals.
Play it during all-out running events and the kids’ motivation is sure to soar.
It’s also great for entrance scenes to lift everyone’s spirits.
Chosen as the theme song for a Kumamoto earthquake recovery support project, this piece will be a fantastic cheer anthem to make children’s big moments even more exciting.
Sword DanceAramu Hachaturiannu
This is “Sabre Dance” by Aram Khachaturian, a hugely popular classical piece often used as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.
When it comes to footraces, you can’t leave this one out! Composed in 1942, it’s used in the final act of the ballet Gayane.
It is said to depict a battle dance in which Kurds wield swords.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for inter-class races? Highly recommended!
SignalWANIMA
WANIMA is a band that brings us a variety of masterpieces that make our hearts burn when we listen.
All of their songs are perfect for a school sports day, aren’t they? But if you’re looking for a track that fits a relay, we recommend Signal! Its signature, pleasantly brisk tempo and lyrics that seem to say “hard work never goes to waste” will amp up the relay and support the runners’ spirits.
The song is included on their 2018 album Everybody!!.