"The Race" is a song by Swiss electronic band Yello, released as the first single from their album Flag. The single was initially released on 11 April 1988 via the Fontana label.

In 1988 the single was released in 7", 12" and CD formats throughout the world, and additionally as a cassette single in some places. The limited edition single contained a remix by Paul Dakeyne. The following year, the track was remixed again by Carl Segal and released as a couple of promotional-only 12" singles, coupled with Emilio Pasquez's versions of "Blazing Saddles".

In 1992, "The Race" was released as a single a second time, to coincide with the greatest hits collection, Essential Yello.

"The Race" appeared in remix form again in 1999 for the Eccentrix Remixes compilation, following the release of their Pocket Universe album.

In 2003, the Tomcraft remixes of "The Race" appeared on the single for "Planet Dada", released from their album, The Eye.

Since its release, "The Race" has been very popular and played among marching bands across the United States.

In 2007, a new version of the track was created by the band in order to promote DHL and Formula 1 racing. Called "The Race II", the digital single was made available free for download, and released as a promo CD single.

The song has been used to open It's Academic on WRC-TV in Washington, D.C. It was also the opening theme for the final years of the original run of Academic Challenge on WEWS-TV in Cleveland, by which time it was also known as It's Academic.

The song was also used prominently in the 1990 comedy film Nuns on the Run, which starred Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle and can also be heard in the 1991 religious documentary Deadly Currents.

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