[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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- [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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[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect as relay race BGM! (81–90)
Critical HitRADWIMPS
This is a rock anthem packed with a grand message that resonates with young people, included by RADWIMPS in their December 2013 album “X to O to Tsumi to.” Riding on powerful guitar riffs and driving drum rhythms, it portrays the struggles and growth of a protagonist trying to find their own path in the midst of youth.
Its uncompromising alternative sound is brimming with energy, making it perfect for opening or closing ceremonies at school sports days.
The music video was filmed at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture and features a massive scale with 1,500 extras.
This work strongly supports students in the thick of their youth and those standing at life’s crossroads.
It’s the perfect song when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
A bouquet for meAdo
A gently sung piece about self-affirmation and a forward-looking attitude was released by Ado in March 2025.
While empathizing with the feelings we experience in everyday life, it carries a message that encourages recognizing oneself and finding the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.
With a fresh melody crafted by HoneyWorks layered with Ado’s powerful yet delicate vocals, the result is a heartwarming track.
The song has been chosen as the new commercial theme for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee brand Georgia and is scheduled to be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album.” It’s a perfect tune to start your morning, to encourage someone, or to give yourself a boost of courage—and it will continue to brighten the hearts of many.
RunLittle Glee Monster
An encouraging song for first graders, created in collaboration with Meiji Probio Yogurt R-1, was finally released by Little Glee Monster in March 2025.
Featured on the album “Ambitious,” this upbeat pop track celebrates the importance of continuing to chase your dreams and goals.
Its up-tempo melody and powerful vocals blend in perfect balance, resonating deeply with listeners.
In particular, the super-groovy, dynamic sound and the fiery message of pushing forward into the future with everything you’ve got make it irresistibly energizing.
It’s the perfect song to listen to when taking a first step into a new environment or when you hit a wall.
Highly recommended as a motivational anthem for moments when you want to give it your all—like practice for sports days and athletic festivals, or even club activities.
Opening DeclarationNovelbright
An encouraging song that helps you take a step toward your dreams and hopes was born in April 2021 from the major 1st album “Kaimaku Sengen.” With a bright, powerful melody and a passionate spirit like the sun shining in the wide sky, this work is a fervent message song crafted by Novelbright.
In 2022, it was selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s nationwide high school dance club support project, “Dance ONE Project ’22” on the program Sukkiri, powerfully backing the challenging spirit of young people.
It’s a song that gently pushes the backs of everyone uniting their hearts—whether for field day events, sports festivals, or cheer battles.
GOATNumber_i
Number_i’s track delivers a confident message with a powerful, all-rap sound.
Its lyrics, filled with fiery passion and strong self-affirmation, give listeners the courage and energy to take on challenges.
The music video, released in January 2024, surpassed 10 million views in just three days, setting a record as the fastest for a debut song by a male artist in Japan.
With its grand beat and compelling message, this song is perfect as BGM to fire up athletes aiming for victory in a tug-of-war at a school sports day! The high-tempo rhythm will quicken heartbeats and draw out the team’s unity.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.
[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (91–100)
GONGWANIMA
Starting with a powerful intro where the guitar riff rings out, this fiery track from WANIMA delivers a exhilarating rock sound and an empowering message that resonates deeply.
Released in July 2019 as the theme song for the feature-length anime One Piece: Stampede, the song portrays the feelings of adventurers sailing across vast seas, emphasizing a strong will to face hardships and the importance of bonds with comrades.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you give it your all and step up to the challenge—or when you want to shout out and push yourself forward.