[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! (91–100)
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
This is Masaki Suda’s debut track, packed with passion through its driving rock sound and powerful vocals.
Released in June 2017, the song earnestly portrays people who keep moving forward even while covered in mud.
Its message, full of determination and passion toward the future, was featured in au’s “au BLUE CHALLENGE” series and resonated with many listeners.
The track is included on the album “PLAY” and garnered high acclaim, reaching No.
3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s also perfect as entrance music for athletes at school sports days, gently yet powerfully pushing forward everyone who is striving to face ahead.
Zankyo SankaAimer
A fast-paced, powerful song is essential for sprint events, isn’t it? Aimer, known for her beautiful yet fleeting husky voice, released “Zankyo Sanka” in 2022—an upbeat tune perfect for school sports days.
Chosen as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, it features an impressive, dynamic brass band sound.
The energy builds from the first verse through the chorus, making it ideal for high-intensity races! Try playing this anime song that both parents and kids can enjoy.
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.
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.
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!
OH!SHISHAMO
Here’s a track with crisp guitar cutting and drums that make you want to keep moving your feet forward.
It’s an upbeat song released by SHISHAMO in 2019.
Since the lyrics also touch on running, it’s a perfect fit for a relay, don’t you think? Playing not only classic staples but also songs like this at a sports day adds color and makes it even more fun.
