[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! (11–20)
chantAdo
A bold work by Ado that paints a passionate stage, drawing in the audience with a groundbreaking sound that fuses electro swing and J-pop.
Her powerful vocals—charged with a resolve for self-expression and a strong will to captivate—leave a striking impression.
Selected as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights held from September to November 2023, this piece thrilled countless visitors.
Its exhilarating pace makes it perfect as relay BGM, and it’s highly recommended for moments when you want to boost your spirits or fire yourself up.
Soul RevolutionSuperfly
“Tamashii Revolution” is the perfect song for sports scenes that cranks the tension up to the max.
Just like the title says, it sets your soul on fire and fills you with the determination to go for it.
With its motivating melody and lyrics, it’s sure to hype up the relay event.
Even kids who are worried, thinking, “What if I get passed?” might feel their strength welling up when they hear this song.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO’s “Ashita mo,” which is popular across generations, seems like a perfect choice for a sports day where people of all ages—from kids to adults—come together.
With its signature bright, pop sound, uplifting lyrics, and exhilarating pace that suits a running BGM, it’s an ideal track for relay scenes.
Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION
It’s a lively track that blends a high-velocity rock sound with ska elements.
Created through a collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra in February 2018, the song expresses a burning fighting spirit and a will to charge into the future.
Its party-ready, fiery sound and powerful message encouraging free, unrestrained ideas and actions make a strong impression.
Chosen as the official theme song for Super Rugby’s Sunwolves and included on the album “Chasing the Horizon,” this piece has captivated many as a go-to track to energize sports scenes, parties, and of course, school sports day relays.
Heavy rotationAKB48
Beginning with a driving electric guitar and Yuko Oshima’s catchy callouts, this track stands out in idol pop for its exceptional sense of exhilaration.
Its straightforward declaration of love gives listeners a refreshing rush and stirs an irresistible urge to break into a run.
Released in August 2010, AKB48’s single, together with its music video directed by Mika Ninagawa—renowned for its vibrant, pop-infused visuals—left a lasting impression on many.
It’s perfect for moments like sports festivals and athletic events, where participants and spectators alike want to come together and get fired up.
A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson
This is a work by the American composer Leroy Anderson.
He was called a “master of American light music” by John Williams, who has composed numerous film scores such as Star Wars and Back to the Future.
Characterized by a lively trumpet timbre and brisk tempo throughout, it’s a piece that excites you just by listening.
At school sports days, it’s one of the pieces often used across a wide range of events, such as relays and bread-eating races.
[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (21–30)
PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH
Liven up your sports day or field day with highly addictive electronic music! This hit by RADIO FISH, the performance group led by the comedy duo Oriental Radio, was released in 2015 as their sixth single.
While the lyrics are full of humor, the sound is cool and impressively polished.
The rhythm and tempo are perfect as BGM for running events like the 100-meter dash or relays.
