diff --git a/.circleci/config.yml b/.circleci/config.yml
index 57639910b..d449e6ab7 100644
--- a/.circleci/config.yml
+++ b/.circleci/config.yml
@@ -60,6 +60,9 @@ jobs:
           name: Build Docker image
           no_output_timeout: 30m
           command: docker build -f ./docker/Dockerfile -t $IMAGE_NAME:latest --build-arg GIT_HASH=$CIRCLE_SHA1 .
+      - run:
+          name: Check that Docker container has no defects
+          command: docker run $IMAGE_NAME:latest -h
       - run:
           name: Archive Docker image
           command: docker save -o image.tar $IMAGE_NAME
diff --git a/book/src/developers/contributing/releases/release_checklist.md b/book/src/developers/contributing/releases/release_checklist.md
index 8334e7d44..616146073 100644
--- a/book/src/developers/contributing/releases/release_checklist.md
+++ b/book/src/developers/contributing/releases/release_checklist.md
@@ -1,5 +1,10 @@
 # Release checklist
 
+## First
+
+Ensure that the CI for the latest commit to master is passing.
+This ensures that trin itself is working, and that the latest docker image is working and published. 
+
 ## Communicate
 
 Announce in #trin chat the upcoming release. Aim for a day or more notice, but