[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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[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (71–80)
Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK
It’s a powerful track packed with a passionate message centered on self-improvement and moving forward.
It directly appeals to the importance of stepping into the future built on past experiences, delivering a heartfelt message alongside emotional sounds.
The driving beats and well-timed dynamic shifts create an intensity that powerfully stirs listeners.
The song was included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011.
It’s known as a staple at ONE OK ROCK’s live shows, igniting the crowd and fostering a strong sense of unity in the venue.
For those facing a challenge or looking to reflect on themselves, this song will be a dependable ally that gives you a push forward.
Rocky Themebirukonti
A sports anthem that resonates with a powerful brass section and full orchestral sound, portraying humanity’s boundless potential and passion.
Known as a quintessential masterpiece at the intersection of film and music, it stages a grand narrative themed around hard work, growth, and a leap toward one’s dreams.
Composed by Bill Conti for the film Rocky, released in February 1977, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of the same year and ranked 58th on AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores.
Beyond exit scenes, it’s a highly effective track for moments when you want to encourage people who are giving their all—such as school events, sports day practice, and lineup formations.
StarmineDa-iCE
A hit song by Da-iCE themed around fireworks that sings about the importance of challenge and perseverance.
Released in August 2022, the track won the Excellence Award at the 64th Japan Record Awards.
It also captured many hearts, racking up 500 million plays on TikTok.
Its driving rhythm and powerful vocals inspire courage in listeners.
It might be the perfect song for a school sports day race or when you want to take on something new.
Da-iCE’s high-tone vocals will boost your motivation as you head into the competition.
Russian DancePeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Russian Dance is the fourth piece in The Nutcracker, a suite premiered in 1892 as music for a ballet.
The composer is the Russian musician Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
The piece is characterized by its brisk, staccato rhythm and rapid tempo.
I think it’s perfect for relay races that emphasize speed.
The gradual crescendo also heightens excitement, helping relay runners psych themselves up while energizing those cheering them on.
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
This song unfolds with a forward-looking, hope-filled narrative.
It powerfully expresses the importance of having the courage to help others, singing of a strong desire to become a hero.
Even as the protagonist confronts their own powerlessness, their impulse to help someone is conveyed through a moving melody that tugs at the heart.
Recorded by Ryokuoushoku Shakai on their April 2020 album “SINGALONG,” the track was later featured in 2023 as a JRA (Japan Racing Association) commercial song, resonating deeply with many.
It’s perfect for moments of resolve to help others or when taking a new step forward—and it makes an excellent entrance song for school sports events as well.
The Galaxy Express999Godaigo
Godiego’s “The Galaxy Express 999” is a fast-paced, popular song released in 1979! It’s also famous for being used as the theme song for the movie version of the highly popular Japanese anime Galaxy Express 999, both at home and abroad—producer Yoshio Takami commissioned Godiego for it.
Just hearing the intro is enough to get your body pumped—the melody is irresistible.
It’s often used at school sports days, and whenever it plays, you can’t help but feel like you’re running faster than usual!
sparkleFuji Kaze
It’s “Kirari” that cheers on the relay runners as they dash by with refreshing energy.
Released in 2021 by singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, known for his technically skilled piano playing, the track was featured in a Honda VEZEL commercial.
Its electronica synths pulse with a modern four-on-the-floor beat, creating a lively, buoyant sound.
The song carries a positive message that perfectly suits the atmosphere of a school sports day.
Why not use this crowd-pleasing dance number as BGM for your relay, sure to get all generations pumped up?
