[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
Speaking of relays, they’re the event that gets the crowd most excited at a sports day! The music that adds flair to the race is also one of the key elements.
I’m sure you, too, have a song that comes to mind as relay BGM.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks—from classic relay staples everyone’s heard to J-pop numbers perfect for a heated competition.
They’re all songs that will make you want to start running, so use them as a guide when choosing your playlist.
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- Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Carefully selected J-pop to liven up sports days and athletic festivals! Also great as entrance songs.
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- Get Fired Up! A Collection of Anime Songs to Hype Up Your Sports Day and Athletic Festival
- [Kids’ Cheer Song] Uplifting Positive Songs & Message Songs
- Coloring the drama of youth! Heartwarming songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals
[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (61–70)
Bon Festival RoundAkihiko Takashima
This is the theme song that was used every time from the punchline of a Drifters sketch into the transition.
The period-drama-style sound actually feels refreshingly new.
It’s the kind of number that makes you flustered even if you don’t know the Drifters—before you know it, you’re in a rush.
It even feels like you could run faster than usual!
BOYKing Gnu
One of the highlights of any sports day—the relay—is brought to life by “BOY.” Released in 2021 by the mixed-genre band King Gnu, the track was used as the opening theme for the anime Ranking of Kings.
Among their songs, it has a particularly pop feel, with a light sound reminiscent of soul and funk.
Its lyrics, which cheer on those who are giving their all, make it perfect for supporting relay runners.
Try playing this exhilarating, fast-paced pop song as BGM for your relay!
Rising HopeLiSA
Up-tempo, 8-beat pop-rock songs are perfect for school sports day relays, aren’t they? “Rising Hope” is exactly that kind of track—a sharp, high-energy rock number with a driving sense of speed.
It was also used as the opening theme for the anime The Irregular at Magic High School.
Soldier, run.B’z
This song became very famous alongside the Japanese national rugby team’s rise.
It was even used in commercials for Lipovitan D, and some of you might remember hearing it frequently during breaks in Japan’s rugby matches.
Since it’s a sports-themed song and the lyrics aren’t limited to rugby, it’s a perfect fit for a school sports day.
B’z are well-known across a wide range of age groups, so playing it at a school event where children and their families gather is sure to send the energy of the entire venue soaring!
The Nutcracker – TrepakPyotr Tchaikovsky
You’ve probably heard “Trepak” from The Nutcracker at least once on TV variety shows, dramas, or commercials.
Its bright character, driven by a lively string melody, lifts your spirits.
The composer is Pyotr Tchaikovsky, a giant of the classical music world.
As one of his three great ballet scores, it has inspired numerous revisions even more than a century after its premiere.
The brisk feel and fast tempo make it a perfect fit for relay races.
I also recommend using this track on a loop.
Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento
This is a song released by Kocchinoken-to in May 2024, an uplifting anthem that pairs a catchy rhythm and melody with a heartwarming message.
The “Giri Giri Dance,” which spread mainly through social media, became a hot topic as an easy, accessible performance for everyone and has been a huge hit as background music and a cheer song at school sports days.
The track packs a powerful, confidence-boosting message into its up-tempo sound, keeping you feeling positive from start to finish.
It also garnered major buzz on TikTok and even led to a collaboration with Sanrio characters.
Its breezy, get-you-running rhythm and friendly, singable melody are part of its charm.
Perfect not only for school sports festivals and athletic events, it’s also a great pick-me-up for everyday motivation.
A victorious smile with youUkasukaji
This track is packed with the appeal of a fiery cheer song that amps up any sports day scene.
Its exhilarating sound fusing J-pop and hip-hop, along with its message of encouragement for those who take on challenges, really resonates.
Released in May 2014 as a digital-only single by Ukasuka-G, it also served as the lead single for the album “AMIGO,” released in June of the same year, and was adopted as an official cheer song for the Japan national soccer team.
The song has been featured in numerous tie-ins, including Kirin’s “Nihonjuu ga Kata o Kumu” commercial and Mizuho Financial Group’s “ONE MIZUHO Power of Blue” commercial.
It’s recommended not only for exit scenes at school sports days, but for a wide range of moments that call for passion and energy, such as sporting events and competitions.