diff --git a/run/check.sh b/run/check.sh
index 6372d63a..a306e4d1 100644
--- a/run/check.sh
+++ b/run/check.sh
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env bash
 set -u
 
+[ ! -f "/run/qemu.pid" ] && echo "QEMU not running yet.." && exit 0
+
 # Retrieve IP from guest for Docker healthcheck
 RESPONSE=$(curl -s -m 6 -S http://127.0.0.1:2210/read?command=10 2>&1)