Perhaps you could train on the elliptical. I read an interview in Runners’ World with a ballet dancer who said he did most of his hard training on the elliptical in order to protect his feet. He ran “live,” so to speak, only for relaxation.
I know myself well enough to know that the only way I can prepare to do the two mile run within the allotted time is by running outdoors. I can’t get the training I need on an elliptical or treadmill, although I will use the treadmill when it is too cold outside.
I do the elliptical on occasion, but never as a substitute for running.