diff --git a/packages/runs/src/runs.mjs b/packages/runs/src/runs.mjs
index 03730c33..5096f921 100644
--- a/packages/runs/src/runs.mjs
+++ b/packages/runs/src/runs.mjs
@@ -52,7 +52,6 @@ export function listRunRecords(dataRoot) {
 export function readRunRecord(dataRoot, runId) {
   requireRunId(runId);
   // The runs directory first, so a refusal names the link that escapes.
-  if (resolveInside(dataRoot, RUNS_DIRNAME) === null) return null;
   const dir = resolveInside(dataRoot, RUNS_DIRNAME, runId);
   if (dir === null) return null;
   let artifacts;