No, the center wasn't a braid.
I didn't actually see the pattern, which is why I don't know if the pattern was free or for sale. It was one of the things that was demonstrated at a retreat we were at, after the demonstration all that went to it were invited to show their finished runner.
I do remember that they were encouraged to buy a 60 degree angle ruler, but that it could be done using the angle line that is on most quilting rulers.