[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! (41–50)
Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaJohann Strauss II
This is a work by the composer Johann Strauss II from the Austrian Empire.
He was the eldest son of his father, Johann Strauss I.
The title “Tritsch-Tratsch” is said to mean “women’s chatter/gossip” in German.
Regardless of the meaning, in Japan it is often used as background music for relay races due to its lively, brisk tempo.
Happinessarashi
This song is one of Arashi’s popular tracks and a staple at their live shows.
I remember it being performed at the opening concert of the New National Stadium as well.
The lyrics are about getting running and moving forward, so I think it fits a relay.
A relay isn’t just a competition; it also involves teamwork, and the song’s bright tone matches that.
Even though it was released in 2007, it’s still widely known and really gets the crowd going.
This song was the theme song for Yamada Taro Monogatari.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
When it comes to songs that amp up the excitement of intense events like relays, ball-toss games, and tug-of-war, “Wataridori” is a top pick.
Released in 2015 by the band [Alexandros], known for their distinctive rock sound, it’s beloved as a staple track for school sports days and athletic festivals.
The lyrics, themed around a bird that flies endlessly, resonate with students taking on various events and can instantly energize the entire venue.
It’s a rock number with a light yet passionate sound that makes you want to start running.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
This song used in au’s 2017 commercial is WANIMA’s arrangement of the children’s song “Picnic.” Debuting in 2014, WANIMA’s high-energy arrangement offers a different kind of excitement from the classical pieces we often hear, and it might be a hit with elementary school kids as a go-to relay race song.
Keeping an eye on new music could make your sports day even more exciting.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi
“Zenryoku Shonen” is a signature song by Sukima Switch released in 2005, which reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The album “Kuusou Clip,” which features this popular track that has been covered by many artists, hit No.
1 on the Oricon Chart.
The song also has a strong association with sports, having been used as a baseball player’s walk-up song and as the theme song for a swimming-themed film.
Its lyrics, which emphasize the importance of tackling things with all your might, make it a perfect fit for relay races where runners desperately pass the baton!
Milestone04 Limited Sazabys
This is a song by the four-piece rock band 04 Limited Sazabys.
GEN’s high-tone vocals are really striking, aren’t they? I think intense rock could be a great fit for a sports day relay, too.
Songs like this really fire up that feeling of not wanting to lose, don’t they?
TRUTHT-SQUARE
It’s extremely famous as the theme song for the F1 Grand Prix.
Just listening to the track makes you feel like you can hear the live commentary.
Since it’s an instrumental, the commentary still comes through clearly when added on top, which makes it easy to use for relay events.
This piece is also frequently used in variety shows for race scenes and has become firmly established as the go-to “race” song.
That kind of straightforward recognizability is perfect for school sports days.
The sound is steeped in a strong ’90s vibe.