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[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!

[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!

Last updated:2025/5/14

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

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.

[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM! (1–10)

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

A song by Kenshi Yonezu, written as the opening theme for the figure-skating anime “Medalist” and released in January 2025.

With a melody full of drive and a powerful sound, it brilliantly captures the exhilaration of the moment you surge toward your goal.

Centered on themes of mutual support and the courage to take on challenges, the piece likens achieving one’s goals to a “bow and arrow.” Used as BGM for a relay at a school sports day, it would not only fire up the runners but also draw passionate cheers from the crowd.

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Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'Is Youth Embarrassing?' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Hazukashiika Seishun wa

Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it's embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai

This is a dynamic, invigorating track that dramatically portrays an all-out sprint.

Looking back as an adult, it brings to mind that fiery page of youth when we ran with everything we had.

Produced in July 2024 as the theme song for ABEMA’s “Kyou, Suki ni Narimashita Summer Vacation 2024,” the piece achieves an epic sense of scale through a collaboration with a 40-piece orchestra.

Its powerful melody and driving sound gently encourage young people to move forward without fear of taking on new challenges.

It’s also an ideal choice for background music at school sports days and athletic events.

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Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster's Flower Song)Vaundy

This is a moving piece by Vaundy that depicts the powerful determination to pursue one’s dreams, guided by a cherished song of memories held in the heart.

With a warm tone that cheers on adults who tend to lose their innocent passion and awakens the origins sleeping within, it leaves a strong impression.

Since its release in May 2020, its singable, catchy melody and powerful sound have gradually gained popularity, reaching No.

3 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in January 2023.

The exhilarating rhythm and fiery message make it perfect as background music for a relay where you and your teammates aim for first place.

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lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

How about livening up your sports day with this track, known for its emotional vocals? Released in April 2024 and selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Oblivion Battery,” this song shines with Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing rock sound.

Its lyrics dynamically capture the complex emotions of youth, resonating with many listeners.

Play it as background music for a relay, and the kids are sure to feel even more motivated!

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R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

A signature number by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, expressed through a driving EDM sound and a beautiful world like shooting stars coloring the night sky.

Centered on the themes of dreams and the bonds of friendship, it carries a message about cherishing every moment.

Its exhilarating beat and powerful performance uplift listeners and give them the courage to move forward.

Released as a single in June 2014, it was used as the campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba (TCK) and won the 56th Japan Record Award.

With its up-tempo rhythm and refreshing, summery feel, it’s popular as a relay or cheering song at school sports days and competitions.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to savor the thrill of running full speed ahead or chase dreams together with treasured friends.

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The BeginningONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – The Beginning [Official Music Video]

The BeginningONE OK ROCK

This song delivers a deeply moving experience, with powerhouse vocals and a band sound so compelling it gives you goosebumps.

It captures the determination of those taking a new step forward and carries a message that pushes you from behind, radiating a power that resonates more with every listen.

Released in August 2012, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin, and through its synergy with the movie, it captured the hearts of a wide audience, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

Perfect as BGM for time trials or relay events, this track offers a refreshing sense of speed and the courage to take on challenges—be sure to experience it.

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flash[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Flash (MV) Theme Song of Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway's Flash

flash[Alexandros]

With its powerful guitar riffs and energetic performance that stir the soul, this is an epic rock number by [Alexandros].

The lyrics portray a resolve to spread one’s wings into a new world after overcoming conflicts such as loneliness and fear experienced during growth, and they’re sure to encourage anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Released in May 2021, the song was chosen as the theme for the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway and captivated many listeners with its metallic sound.

Its exhilarating, fast-paced groove is perfect for a school sports day relay, igniting the fierce competitive spirit of the racers and making the moments they dash across the field even more memorable.

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