diff --git a/spread.yaml b/spread.yaml
index 2b435a5885..9a2c7ed1b6 100644
--- a/spread.yaml
+++ b/spread.yaml
@@ -79,6 +79,8 @@ backends:
       PermitEmptyPasswords yes
       EOF
 
+      sudo passwd -d runner
+
       ADDRESS localhost
     # HACK: spread does not pass environment variables set on runner
     # Manually pass specific environment variables