[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)
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.
Joyfulikimonogakari
Joyful, sung by Ikimonogakari, was originally produced as a commercial song for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky.
Released as a double A-side single together with YELL, Joyful reached a career-best No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Its gradually building intro is distinctive, and the brass lines that pop in throughout really pump you up.
With its upbeat, fast-paced pop feel, it’s a perfect track both for runners in a relay and for the crowd cheering them on!
[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (101–110)
Long Hope PhiliaSuda Masaki
This is a song released in 2018 by Masaki Suda, who is popular both as an actor and as a singer.
He’s also a favorite among children, isn’t he? Written as the theme song for the animated film My Hero Academia: Two Heroes, its upbeat tempo and pleasant guitar cutting will have your feet moving forward before you know it!
GO!!!FLOW
A track that resounds with a passionate rock sound.
Known as one of FLOW’s signature songs, it also made waves as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto.
Since its release in 2004, this piece has captured the hearts of many fans and never let go.
The lyrics, which feel like they cheer on those striving toward their dreams, are sure to give runners a push.
Play it as relay BGM, and both athletes and spectators will undoubtedly come together in excitement!
READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
“READY STEADY GO” is the 22nd single by the rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel, released on February 4, 2004.
In addition to being used as the opening theme for the MBS/TBS anime Fullmetal Alchemist, it was also featured in a Yakult commercial in China.
“READY STEADY GO” is characterized by its fresh, bright sound—a driving rock tune with such a sense of speed that it feels like you could run faster than usual if it were played as background music for a relay race!
The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa
The Stars and Stripes Forever is a march composed in 1898 by John Philip Sousa, former director of the United States Marine Band.
It is one of Sousa’s most famous pieces.
From the very beginning, the powerful playing of various instruments sets the tone, making it a great choice when you want to evoke pride and boost morale.
In the middle section, there’s a passage where strings and flutes produce a gentle timbre, so I recommend using it as an entrance march before a relay rather than during the relay itself.
ultra soulB’z
This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.
It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.
It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.
The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.
It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.