Men's 4×100m relay race concludes in N China

Zhang Peimeng (2nd R) and Su Bingtian (R) of the joint team of Beijing, Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong compete during the men's 4×100m relay race final at 13th Chinese National Games in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 7, 2017. [Photo: Xinhua/Li Xiang]

A team representing Beijing, Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong claimed the men's 4×100m relay race at the 13th National Games.

Famous Chinese sprinter Zhang Peimeng announced his retirement after the race.

The Olympic Center Stadium in Tianjin, nicknamed the "Water Drop", was full of spectators last night.

The much-anticipated men's 4×100 relay race has seen a reunion of national team members Zhang Peimeng, Su Bingtian, Xie Zhenye and Wu Zhiqiang.

The star team comfortably claimed the title with a time of 38.16 seconds, even faster than the time that won them the title at the Diamond League meet in Monaco in July.

These national games are the first to allow athletes from different provinces to be on the same team

Star sprinter Su Bingtian said the new change has inspired players to strive for better results.

"This year, all the sprinters have run to excel, to make better records. The result is very good. The runner-up team even made a record of 38.8 seconds. It is a good start. I think the reform policy to building multi-province teams is good. I hope the new change will help further develop the Chinese sprint program." 

Last night's relay was also the final race for famous Chinese sprinter Zhang Peimeng.

Zhang Peimeng of the joint team of Beijing, Zhejiang, Hubei and Guangdong celebrates after the men's 4×100m relay race final at 13th Chinese National Games in north China's Tianjin Municipality, Sept. 7, 2017.[Photo: Xinhua/Xu Chang]

He ran the 100m in a time of 10 seconds at the World Athletics Championships in Moscow in 2017, the fastest-ever speed for an Asian sprinter at that time.

Zhang said he enjoyed his final race.

"We have spent a happy and relaxing time at today's relay race. I cherished the last relay very much."

He also said he wants to continue to help Chinese sprinters to develop.

"After retirement, I will keep on exercising and training, in order to keep fit as well as always prepared for running for Chinese relay team. Maybe I will show up at 2020 Olympics, but it's just my plan B."