diff --git a/image/run_runner.sh b/image/run_runner.sh
index 885632c..899006e 100644
--- a/image/run_runner.sh
+++ b/image/run_runner.sh
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ fi
 #################################################
 # register act runner if required
 #################################################
-if [[ ! -s .runner ]]; then
+if [[ ! -s ${GITEA_RUNNER_REGISTRATION_FILE:-.runner} ]]; then
   if [[ -z ${GITEA_RUNNER_REGISTRATION_TOKEN:-} ]]; then
     read -r GITEA_RUNNER_REGISTRATION_TOKEN < "$GITEA_RUNNER_REGISTRATION_TOKEN_FILE"
   fi