When Susanna Sullivan steps onto the start line at the World Championships marathon in Tokyo, she won't just be racing against the world's best, she'll be carrying with her the lessons of her sixth-grade classroom, the encouragement of the George Mason athletes she mentors, and the resilience of an athlete who never stopped believing.

Sullivan has established herself among the nation's elite marathoners. A professional runner for Brooks, she clocked an eye-opening 2:21:56 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, making her one of the 10 fastest marathons ever run by an American woman. Now, she's preparing to test herself once again on the global stage, representing Team USA with pride.

Balancing Elite Training with Everyday Life
Sullivan is anything but a full-time athlete. By day, she teaches sixth-grade math at The Langley School in McLean. By evening, she's either logging workouts, recovering in the pool, or mentoring George Mason's distance runners as a volunteer assistant coach.

"My role at George Mason isn't about writing training plans," Sullivan said. "It's about being a resource, talking with the athletes about nutrition, recovery, or just being a cheerleader. I want them to see that if you make something a priority, you can make it work."
 
The George Mason Connection
Her ties to George Mason run deep. Head Coach Andrew Gerard has guided her training for the past five years, emphasizing patience and long-term growth. That philosophy has fueled Sullivan's steady rise, allowing her to run faster more than 15 years after her collegiate career ended.

"Coach Gerard is great at showing the value of patience," she said. "Fifteen years past college, I'm still improving. That's pretty unique."
For George Mason athletes, Sullivan's presence offers more than advice: it's daily proof of what's possible with discipline and consistency.
 
Overcoming Setbacks
Sullivan's journey hasn't been without heartbreak. At the 2023 World Championships, she suffered a fractured kneecap during the marathon, forcing a grueling recovery and raising doubts about her future.

"To not only come back, but to be running better than I ever have, it feels like such a gift," Sullivan reflected. "I don't take this opportunity for granted."
Her resilience, she says, was strengthened by the George Mason community. Training alongside passionate student-athletes helped her stay grounded and motivated through months of uncertainty.
 
Representing Team USA
Now, healthy and in peak form, Sullivan is ready for Tokyo's heat, humidity, and hills. She views the chance to represent the United States as both a personal triumph and a responsibility to inspire others.

"It's such an honor to compete for Team USA," Sullivan said. "I want my students and athletes to see that sometimes it's scary to put your goals out there, but it's worth it. Even if things don't go perfectly, you'll never regret giving it everything you have."
 
Setting an Example
Between professional training, full-time teaching, and volunteer coaching, Sullivan embodies balance, grit, and passion. For George Mason athletes and for anyone chasing big dreams, her message is clear: dedication makes the impossible possible.

When she lines up in Tokyo, Sullivan won't just be running for herself. She'll be representing her students, her athletes, her family, and the entire George Mason community on the world stage. The World Athletics Championships in Tokyo will be held from September 13 to 21, 2025. Mason Nation can follow Sullivan's journey live! The women's marathon is now scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 6:30PM EST. Fans in the U.S. can watch on CNBC and stream live on Peacock. There will also be a delayed broadcast on NBC.