I, along with several of my friends, found the Striders to be the most welcoming group imaginable when we moved into town. We started showing up to group runs and all made long-lasting friendships; also a great excuse to get out and socialize a couple times per week. Elite runners, novice runners, or people who just enjoy hiking with their dogs all do their thing in small groups then hang out together at the trailheads afterwards - it's totally free of judgement and pressure; just a bunch of people enjoying the outdoors together.