diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index 76b850d..8fc24c4 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -60,6 +60,11 @@ test {
     }
 }
 
+run {
+    systemProperty 'zookeepers', 'localhost:2181'
+    dependsOn check
+}
+
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 //  RELEASING
 ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/src/ratpack/ratpack.groovy b/src/ratpack/ratpack.groovy
index 0a5d60b..0788040 100644
--- a/src/ratpack/ratpack.groovy
+++ b/src/ratpack/ratpack.groovy
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import offtopic.OfftopicClient
 ratpack {
     bindings {
         offtopic.Configuration.instance.loadDefaults()
-        offtopic.curator.CuratorPool.prepare(Configuration.instance.zookeepers)
+        offtopic.curator.CuratorPool.prepare(System.getProperty('zookeepers') ?: Configuration.instance.zookeepers)
         module HandlebarsModule
         module JacksonModule
     }