Get to know the people behind your favourite places & spaces in downtown Burlington! We’ll be introducing you to new owners & businesses throughout the year!
Meet Juan Aja Aguinaco, Owner of Escarpment Running
1. Tell us a little bit about Escarpment Running, and how the company came to be.
I got into running during the pandemic; what started as a couple of miles every other day, quickly became a daily ritual for me. As I progressed from a half-marathon, a marathon and beyond, I discovered trail running and saw in it an amazing connection to nature and adventure. I wanted share this passion with the Burlington community but there were few places that sold specialized footwear and equipment, and even fewer that focused on fostering a grassroots community. That’s where Escarpment Running comes from: curated gear for a tight-knit, welcoming and adventure-seeking community.
2. Why did you choose Burlington Downtown to open your location?
I live in Burlington, and I want to help build a stronger community. I started that by joining the Board of the Burlington Symphony Orchestra, and now by helping build a stronger, more inviting running community. Downtown Burlington is where we can all start by opening businesses that are unique and tend to the needs of the city.
3. What downtown businesses do you frequent and do business with?
(i.e. banking, dentist, shopping, where do you eat, please list by name) Tamp Coffee, The Pearle, TD Bank, North Coal, The Benedict Eatery, The Performing Arts Centre.
4. Okay, let’s play a quick game of This or That!
- Road or trail running? Trail.
- Rolling hills or one big climb? One big climb.
- Race day or adventure day? Adventure day.
- GPS watch or run by feel? By feel, especially on trails. That said, I rarely run without my watch.
- Road shoes or trail shoes? (That’s a trick question, you can choose both!), trail shoes, especially low-stacked and nimble; but I love my running shoes so I would never pass on trying new road shoes.
- Early mornings or golden hour runs? Early mornings.
- Solo run or group run? Group, though I normally train solo.
- Coffee before the run or coffee after the run? After, 100%.
- Local loop or exploring somewhere new? Exploring somewhere new, though it’s easier to just repeat local loops.
- Mud puddles: avoid them or run straight through them? Tough question. Avoid them when possible, but once you hit the first one, you start running through them.
- Running vest or handheld bottle? Depends on the distance, but handheld is far more comfortable and practical.
5. Do you have any upcoming events that you’d like to let people know about?
An upcoming race with Happy Trails Racing on July 25th.
6. What’s your favourite recovery meal after a long run or a race?
A fruit smoothie with protein powder, electrolytes, oats or hemp seeds and water.
