diff --git a/test_runner/random_ops/test_random_ops.py b/test_runner/random_ops/test_random_ops.py
index 0d8fad88ee..9b4c4794cf 100644
--- a/test_runner/random_ops/test_random_ops.py
+++ b/test_runner/random_ops/test_random_ops.py
@@ -522,6 +522,7 @@ class NeonProject:
         new_branch = NeonBranch(
             self, self.neon_api.get_branch_details(self.id, new_branch_def["branch"]["id"])
         )
+        new_branch.start_benchmark()
         if new_branch.connection_parameters is None:
             raise RuntimeError(f"Neon branch {new_branch.id} does not have connection parameters {new_branch.endpoints}")
         with psycopg2.connect(