diff --git a/features/actions/layout_delegation.feature b/features/actions/layout_delegation.feature
index 4cc3091..be4e269 100644
--- a/features/actions/layout_delegation.feature
+++ b/features/actions/layout_delegation.feature
@@ -13,19 +13,17 @@ Feature: `layout_*' action keywords
       """
 
   Scenario: delegates messages matching `layout_*' to `layout_handle_*'
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       key(:f) { layout_some_action :testing_some_action }
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the alt+f keys
     Then the output must contain ":testing_some_action"
 
   Scenario: logs an error about unimplemented messages
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       key(:f) { layout_unknown_action }
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the alt+f keys
     Then the output must match /layout.+no.+implem.+handle_unknown_action/i
diff --git a/features/run_control/modifier.feature b/features/run_control/modifier.feature
index 8c7292b..167a90d 100644
--- a/features/run_control/modifier.feature
+++ b/features/run_control/modifier.feature
@@ -1,10 +1,9 @@
 Feature: `modifier' run control keyword
 
   Scenario: configures the modifier key
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       modifier :ctrl
       """
-    And uhwm is running
     When I press the ctrl+shift+q keys
     Then uhwm must terminate successfully
diff --git a/features/run_control/worker.feature b/features/run_control/worker.feature
index a586c5a..6f9ce41 100644
--- a/features/run_control/worker.feature
+++ b/features/run_control/worker.feature
@@ -1,9 +1,8 @@
 Feature: `worker' run control keyword
 
   Scenario: configures the modifier key
-    Given a run control file with:
+    Given uhwm is running with this run control file:
       """
       worker :mux
       """
-    And I start uhwm
     Then the output must match /work.+event.+mux/i