sowing runners direct

Yes - but you do have to fight the slugs and the pigeons for them!  Last year we wrapped shiny discs and crisp packets and foil containers to scare every thing away from the shoots and the slug pellets.  Moderate success, but did need some infills.  This year we wrapped all round with fleece until they are big enough to cope, which has worked better.

I planted mine as I grew them in pots indoors but having hardened them off and planted them out I've found that they're almost dead and it looks like I'll have to sow direct 

I sowed direct last year but the pigeons got the damned lot.  I'll have to sow and them net immediately (or mesh in my case)

Ditto with the dwarf beans.  It is cheaper and easier to sow direct but whether you get a crop depends on the enemy