I coached my kids during High School (and was an assistant coach at the team).
Some observations:
1) Of all the sports I have observed, the running sports (Track, cross-country, and road races) are, BY FAR, the least ugly in terms of spectator (especially parental) behavior. Or, conversely, just about the only sport where people cheer on athletes NOT on their own team. I love that good sportsmanship in our sport.
Way back a number of decades ago when I was in High School, I remember this scene (not a-typical at all) at a baseball game. An adult screams in front of 100s, "Kid, you suck, you outta be benched!" The kid turned around and said, "Sorry, dad". YIKES.
2) In running events I'd tell the kids, "If you have no chance to finish in the top spots, don't go out with the leaders." I'd advise them to tend to run conservatively early in races; and to tuck behind the girl/boy in front of them before, if they could, making their move. "Stay right behind that one".
3) So, I don't have any objection to "beat that kid in blue". It seems reasonably, fair and good sportsmanship. In fact, the "kid in blue" will often respond by running harder him/her self.