I think Megan is probably right --- she must not want to risk getting stitches on the binding.
For a project as small as a table runner, I think I would do some hand quilting on it. Sometimes it's nice to have something to work on at night while watching TV --- especially after I have been standing in front of the machine all day. Plus, I like the look of hand quilting combined with machine quilting on the same piece. Call me strange!