diff --git a/tests/run.in b/tests/run.in
index 476b5339ba..649aacadeb 100644
--- a/tests/run.in
+++ b/tests/run.in
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ CLEAN=no
 WAIT=0
 KILLSERVERS=yes
 PRESERVE=${PRESERVE-no}
-SYNCMODE=
+SYNCMODE=${SYNCMODE-rp}
 USERDATA=no
 
 while test $# -gt 0 ; do