I like the third option best as it looks like it has some blue which ties into the stairs.

Are you partial to the runner? It’s not as safe as bare stairs. I’m not liking any of your rug choices with it. Perhaps look for a rug with the same blue predominating in it. If you remove the runner, you make the stairs appear wider, which looks grander, and you open up your options for the hall. If you have a lot of traffic in this area, you want a moderate color, not too light or too dark. A busy pattern can help conceal traffic wear and dirt.

We are keeping the runner as it provides a lot of padding and the stairs are quite steep. Any rug suggestions?

Too much brown. Try a completely different direction

Any suggestions for alternatives?

I think Safiah? Saviah? online rug store.

The runner is pretty and a good option with those steep stairs.