[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.

Playlist

[Sports Day] A roundup of exhilarating, fast-paced tracks perfect for relay race BGM!
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	TouchInaba Hiroshi		Hiroshi Inaba covers the anime song “Touch,” chosen as a WBC cheer song
2	IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s relay BGM track
3	Dear, boyHump Back		An anthem by Hump Back that gives you the courage to chase your dreams
4	StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE		An upbeat tune that vividly colors a new beginning
5	Tontsukatan-tanKureijī Wowuwo!!		A fun dance song of Crazy Wow Wow
6	InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE		The rock song by Mrs. GREEN APPLE that is the opening theme of Fire Force.
7	Standing on stageYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s sports theme song inspires athletes
8	ImaginationSPYAIR		SPYAIR’s Haikyuu theme song is perfect for relay races
9	AIZOKing Gnu		King Gnu's exhilarating, high-velocity rock
10	Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai		A dynamic song that depicts a passionate page of youth
11	lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE		A refreshing rock song for a sports day
12	Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy		A strong determination to pursue a dream, inspired by a song of memories
13	The BeginningONE OK ROCK		A powerful song that brings courage and inspiration
14	flash[Alexandros]		The powerful rock of [Alexandros], a song of growth and challenge
15	Blue and SummerMrs. GREEN APPLE		Aoi to Natsu by Mrs. GREEN APPLE
16	Csikos PostHermann Necke		A lively piece about a mail coach, composed by Necke
17	Galop of the ClownsDmitri Kabalevsky		Kabalevsky piece popular for relays
18	Runnerbakufū suranpu		A famous song by Bakufu Slump that's perfect for a relay
19	Current destructionSPYAIR		A high-energy rock number brimming with speed by SPYAIR
20	Headlong MarchSUPER EIGHT		An energetic cheer song by SUPER EIGHT
21	I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā		Stir your heart with Sambomaster’s fight song
22	Soul RevolutionSuperfly		Music perfect for sports that sets your soul on fire
23	Heavy rotationAKB48		An exhilarating, youth-filled pop song
24	BeautifulSuperfly		Superfly’s cheer song
25	CHARMWANIMA		WANIMA's upbeat punk number
26	Curtain callYuuri		Yuuri’s rock number is selected as the My Hero Academia opening
27	BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi		A powerful song from a figure skating anime
28	A Trumpeter’s HolidayLeroy Anderson		Leroy Anderson's lively sports day music
29	I am the strongest.Ado		Aiming for victory as a united team with Ado’s “I’m the Strongest.”
30	Fanfaresumika		Rouse your spirits with sumika’s refreshing rock song
31	GUTS !arashi		Arashi’s “GUTS!” is a cheer song for sports festivals.
32	Full driveKANA-BOON		KANA-BOON’s signature high-energy song
33	R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu		A signature song by the third generation with the themes of dreams and bonds
34	Ashura-chanAdo		Ado’s “Ashura-chan” is perfect as sports day BGM
35	Always HIGH!DISH//		DISH//'s dance rock songs are suitable for school sports days.
36	Polka of the HuntJohann Strauss II		A fast polka composed by Strauss with hunting as its theme
37	lightly; nimbly; flutteringlyGReeeeN		GReeeeN’s Ekiden Cheering Song
38	together; along with; bothWANIMA		WANIA exhilarating, fast-paced cheer song
39	mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism		The theme song of SPY x FAMILY, a song brimming with a sense of speed
40	Heaven and HellJacques Offenbach		The reason why “Heaven and Hell” is used for relay races at school sports days
41	Bling-Bang-Bang-BornCreepy Nuts		Hip-hop for anime theme songs. Trending on TikTok.
42	AdventureYOASOBI		A song by YOASOBI themed around liberation from everyday life
43	peace signYonezu Kenshi		Introducing Kenshi Yonezu’s hit song “Peace Sign”
44	KICKBACKYonezu Kenshi		Kenshi Yonezu’s Chainsaw Man theme song
45	Sword DanceAram Khachaturian		Khachaturian’s Sabre Dance
46	So, you are not alone.Little Glee Monster		A single of sports day cheer songs
47	The Zero Sense10-FEET		Theme song of a basketball movie, expressing dreams and hardships
48	Mystical, Mysterious Adventure!Takahashi Hiroki		Original opening theme song of early Dragon Ball
49	Don’t give upZARD		It’s strongly associated with being a cheer song.
50	Before DawnUchida Yūma		Gaining courage from Yuma Uchida’s rock songs
51	life-formHoshino Gen		Gen Hoshino’s new song “Seimeitai” chosen as a sports theme song
52	Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā		Support song by Sambomaster
53	Tritsch-Tratsch-PolkaJohann Strauss II		A lively piece by Strauss II
54	Happinessarashi		Popular Arashi songs that suit a relay
55	migratory bird[Alexandros]		Alexandros's classic sports day song
56	ultramarineYOASOBI		YOASOBI’s new song: speed and a strong message
57	Let’s give it a tryWANIMA		WANIMA's picnic.
58	Teenager ForeverKing Gnu		King Gnu’s running song is trending
59	Full-Power BoySukima Suichi		Signature song by Sukima Switch, a sports cheer anthem
60	idolYOASOBI		Oshi no Ko opening theme song
61	PRAYING RUNUVERworld		Even if your efforts aren’t rewarded, there is meaning in continuing to try.
62	chantAdo		Ado’s passionate electroswing song
63	SignalWANIMA		WANIMA's “Signal” is for a relay
64	Hungarian Dance No. 5Johannes Brahms		Brahms’s gypsy music. A dance with alternating slow and fast sections.
65	Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO		SHISHAMO’s “Ashita mo” is perfect for a sports day
66	Milestone04 Limited Sazabys		An intense rock song by 04 Limited Sazabys
67	TRUTHT-SQUARE		The F1 theme song has become established in race scenes
68	Soldier, run.B’z		A song that became famous thanks to the surge of the Japan national rugby team
69	typewriterLeroy Anderson		A humorous musical piece woven by an orchestra and a typewriter
70	Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō		The passionate masterpiece by Taro Hakase
71	My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS		Your Name.'s theme song reaches No. 1 on the Oricon charts
72	Freak It! ft. Tokyo Ska Paradise OrchestraMAN WITH A MISSION		A fiery track that fuses rock and ska
73	Rising HopeLiSA		A high-energy rock song perfect for a relay
74	Maximum reachSEKAI NO OWARI		A cheering song that turns weakness into an ally and soars high
75	single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu		King Gnu’s rock song for a sports day
76	Turkish MarchWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Turkish March is a popular classical music piece
77	sparkleFuji Kaze		Cheering for the relay with Fujii Kaze’s “Kirari”
78	AgainWANIMA		A song of courage to overcome setbacks and move forward
79	William Tell OvertureRosshīni		A magnificent overture, marked by a powerful rhythm
80	The Nutcracker – TrepakPyotr Tchaikovsky		The Nutcracker is a famous, lively ballet piece.
81	You’re going way too fast!!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto		A high-energy song to fire up a relay race at a school sports day
82	GONGWANIMA		A rock song depicting challenges and the bonds of comrades
83	StarmineDa-iCE		A fireworks song by Da-iCE with the theme of challenge and perseverance
84	Russian DancePeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky		A fast piece by Tchaikovsky
85	Bon Festival RoundAkihiko Takashima		The Drifters’ skit transition theme song
86	BOYKing Gnu		King Gnu's 'BOY' is suitable for relays
87	A bouquet for meAdo		Ado’s new song: a message of self-affirmation and courage
88	RunLittle Glee Monster		Little Glee Monster new cheer song
89	PERFECT HUMANRADIO FISH		Liven up the sports day with electronic tracks
90	OrangeSPYAIR		A powerful song of youth, friendship, and sports
91	Live in the present.Saucy Dog		Saucy Dog’s High School Soccer Cheering Song
92	A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s debut song, a track packed with a sense of speed and determination
93	Zankyo SankaAimer		Aimer “Zankyosanka” up-tempo tune for a sports day
94	Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK		The courage to face forward and charge toward the future
95	Yes, with pleasure.kocchi no kento		Kochi Kento’s cheer song, “Giri Giri Dance”
96	A victorious smile with youUkasukaji		The appeal of passionate cheer songs at sports festivals
97	The Galaxy Express999Godaigo		Godiego’s theme song for Galaxy Express 999
98	OH!SHISHAMO		An energetic SHISHAMO song suitable for a relay
99	Critical HitRADWIMPS		RADWIMPS' youth-supporting rock song
100	Joyfulikimonogakari		Ikimono-gakari “Joyful” Pocky commercial song
101	Long Hope PhiliaSuda Masaki		Masaki Suda’s 2018 anime theme song
102	GO!!!FLOW		Ideal as FLOW’s signature song and a cheer song
103	READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		A fast-paced rock song by L’Arc~en~Ciel
104	The Star-Spangled Banner ForeverJohn Philip Sousa		Sousa's 1898-composed march
105	ultra soulB’z		A powerful anthem that supports the challenge toward one’s dreams
106	Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA		Demon Slayer opening theme song
107	Opening DeclarationNovelbright		A passionate message song that cheers on young people pursuing their dreams
108	GOATNumber_i		A powerful rap song by Number_i
109	Kono Yubi Tomareyosugala		An anthem that supports those facing setbacks and loneliness
110	superstarKetsumeishi		A hip-hop and pop fusion, a cheering anthem that celebrates talent
111	One Heartatarashii gakkou no rīdāzu		A youth-empowerment song. A track that cheers on the new school term.
112	Mela!Ryokushokushakai		A song of courage and hope to help others
113	asking for the moonKANA-BOON		Recommendation: KANA-BOON’s “Naimononedari”
114	earnest desireSUPER BEAVER		A rock song that sings about the importance of human connection and smiles
115	Rocky Themebirukonti		Rocky's theme song Effort and Growth
116	It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE		Ekiden cheering songs give people courage.
117	To the Lightmiwa		One of miwa’s signature songs that gives you the strength to move forward
118	WHAT YOU WANTMizuki Nana		A driving 8-beat track with a strong sense of speed
119	Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS		Linda Linda, a signature song by The Blue Hearts
120	ROOFTOPS feat. Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism)KERENMI		Introduction to the song ROOFTOPS from the KERENMI project
121	Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu		Wulfuls' danceable 1995 cheer song
122	William Tell OvertureGioachino Rossini		Characteristics and Performance Difficulty of the William Tell Overture
123	Carmen PreludeGeorges Bizet		Prelude to the opera Carmen by Bizet