Varathane Stair Treads More Traction?

surferal

i am varathaning my stair treads and was going to put a runner down the middle but, I like the look of the wood and hate carpet. I am wondering if their is something like sand that I could sprinkle on inbetween coats to get some traction on the treads so I do not land on my arse when in sock feet. Thank you Al