Soler's Sports

When Roger Soler decided to leave Lima, Peru as a twenty year old, he had no idea what adventures were in store for him.

Roger was born in 1960 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His family moved to Lima, Peru shortly following his birth. Roger started running at an early age and encountered success as a youngster. By the time he was 16 years old, he was the Peruvian National Junior Champion. At the tender age of eighteen, Roger captured the Peruvian National Championships in the 800 and 1500 meters.That same year he set the national record in the 1500 meters.

When coach Ray Kring from Hancock Jr. College called and offered Roger a scholarship to run for the school, Roger jumped at the opportunity. In California, Roger continued to enjoy success, finishing 2nd in the California State Junior College Championships in Cross Country and in the 1500 meters.

His running ability attracted the attention of many university coaches across the nation. When the University of Texas at San Antonio contacted Roger he packed his bags again and headed to San Antonio. At UTSA, Roger established himself as one of the premier runners in their school’s history. He was the first ever NCAA national competitor for UTSA and set school records in the 1500 and 5000 meters. These records still stand today.

In 1984, Roger was selected to represent Peru in the Los Angeles Olympics. Competing in the 5000 meters was reward for 10 years of hard work and training. To Roger, this was the pinnacle of his career and validated his choices to follow his running dreams.

Over the course of Roger’s running career, there were many more tremendous achievements. In 1986 and 1987, Roger captured the Ultimate Runner title, where competitors compete in events ranging from 100 meters to the marathon…all in one day! Roger went on to win three San Antonio Marathons and compete internationally in packed stadiums all across Western Europe.

When Roger began working at the Run-a-Way store, he had no idea where this may lead. Roger enjoyed the experience of helping people become better runners and live a fit lifestyle. When, in 1989, he decided to open the first Soler’s Sports, it was a huge gamble into the unknown. Roger felt a running shoe store was the best avenue that he could reach people and share his knowledge and passion for running. Presently, Roger owns three running/triathlon stores in San Antonio. He prides himself on the one-on-one personal customer service that his stores provide.

He continues to look for ways to lead the San Antonio running community at all levels from high school athletes to first time runners to grizzled veteran marathoners.

Come by and visit one of our stores to see how much we’ve grown in 21 years.