diff --git a/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/mock/GemFireMockObjectsSupport.java b/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/mock/GemFireMockObjectsSupport.java
index 598cd8b..a779db1 100644
--- a/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/mock/GemFireMockObjectsSupport.java
+++ b/spring-data-geode-test/src/main/java/org/springframework/data/gemfire/tests/mock/GemFireMockObjectsSupport.java
@@ -1583,7 +1583,7 @@ public abstract class GemFireMockObjectsSupport extends MockObjectsSupport {
 
 		when(mockGatewayReceiverFactory.create()).thenAnswer(invocation -> {
 
-			AtomicBoolean running = new AtomicBoolean(false);
+			AtomicBoolean running = new AtomicBoolean(!manualStart.get());
 
 			GatewayReceiver mockGatewayReceiver = mock(GatewayReceiver.class);