diff --git a/utils_linux.go b/utils_linux.go
index 46c26246..973c63a9 100644
--- a/utils_linux.go
+++ b/utils_linux.go
@@ -349,7 +349,9 @@ func (r *runner) run(config *specs.Process) (int, error) {
 	if detach {
 		return 0, nil
 	}
-	r.destroy()
+	if err == nil {
+		r.destroy()
+	}
 	return status, err
 }