I've made several of them and I too stitch around where you did with a decorative stitch. I think it needed that.

I like a bit of decorative or top-stitching, too. I have used pre-washed flannel instead of batting with good results. That first one in your photo is beautiful.
.

I am planing on making this runner. Have seen method done and it looks cute and easy. Question- do you need to put batting in table runners?

Batting vs. no batting: This pattern does not call for batting. If you want a fast project then no batting is faster. You must quilt it to hold the batting in place. It's also a matter of storage to me. These can be folded in a drawer more easily than ones with batting.

This pattern makes a beautiful table if you make it really long - maybe even 60 inches. Place a candle or flower arrangement in the center then finger pleat the fabric on each side of the center. Those "finger pleats" really turn into fabric ...loops?... soft pleats?... whatever you call them - very pretty.

Having said that - I have included batting with these patterns when I wanted 'heftier' runner.

I have made a bunch of these and I do stitch mine around the edges and across the end and around the edges of the center panel. The lady who taught this as a class suggested buttons, but I could see someone setting something on it --seemed to me buttons might get in the way. I think it takes me about 30 minutes from start to finish.

very pretty

I can't even do the 10 minute block in 10 minutes.

yes, I too agree it needs some reinforcement in the middle. I have made table runners and instead of topstitching or tying, I have used the zigzag on the machine and have done tight 5/6 in one place, dragged thread down about 6" and did again......did that on entire surface, afterwards, cut those connecting threads, applied fray-check and they have been used, washed many times....still look good......just another choice.......

I use batting and top stitch also. Takes longer to choose fabric them put together. This is my emergency go to pattern. Also some of the craft show i do require door prize donations. This works very well for that.