diff --git a/openvalidators/run.py b/openvalidators/run.py
index 47a85fc..21b2784 100644
--- a/openvalidators/run.py
+++ b/openvalidators/run.py
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@ def run(self):
     checkpoint(self)
     try:
         while True:
+            if not self.wallet.hotkey.ss58_address in self.metagraph.hotkeys:
+                raise Exception(f"Validator is not registered - hotkey {self.wallet.hotkey.ss58_address} not in metagraph")    
             bt.logging.info(f"step({self.step}) block({ttl_get_block( self )})")
 
             # Run multiple forwards.