diff --git a/lib/api/runner.rb b/lib/api/runner.rb
index 2f15f3a7d76..af205dc8a61 100644
--- a/lib/api/runner.rb
+++ b/lib/api/runner.rb
@@ -28,10 +28,10 @@ module API
           if runner_registration_token_valid?
             # Create shared runner. Requires admin access
             attributes.merge(runner_type: :instance_type)
-          elsif project = Project.find_by(runners_token: params[:token])
+          elsif project = Project.find_by_runners_token(params[:token])
             # Create a specific runner for the project
             attributes.merge(runner_type: :project_type, projects: [project])
-          elsif group = Group.find_by(runners_token: params[:token])
+          elsif group = Group.find_by_runners_token(params[:token])
             # Create a specific runner for the group
             attributes.merge(runner_type: :group_type, groups: [group])
           else