diff --git a/lua/cp/ui/panel.lua b/lua/cp/ui/panel.lua
index fd45ea4..c4a8738 100644
--- a/lua/cp/ui/panel.lua
+++ b/lua/cp/ui/panel.lua
@@ -41,6 +41,14 @@ function M.toggle_run_panel(is_debug)
     return
   end
 
+  if not state.get_contest_id() then
+    logger.log(
+      'No contest configured. Use :CP <platform> <contest> <problem> to set up first.',
+      vim.log.levels.ERROR
+    )
+    return
+  end
+
   local problem_id = get_current_problem()
   if not problem_id then
     return