What does the following quote mean (in reference to runners I think)?

Question

I was reading a book where the author mentions some friends he knew who were runners, as was he, and said ""they remain the sort of friends who don't run round the track in the opposite direction when you've been disqualified."

What does that refer to?

Do runners do that when someone is out?

Answer 1

It means that they stay friends no matter what. They are always there when they need each other.