THE LAST WORD:

The Orange County Marathon is finally here.

Nine months ago we heard that Orange County GOP Chairman Scott Baugh had scored a coup and wrested the annual race away from Irvine and re-routed it through Costa Mesa.

This weekend Baugh, the race chairman, presides over a weekend full of activities surrounding the marathon, which could draw millions of badly needed revenue, especially for Costa Mesa leaders who announced layoffs to address a projected $19-million budget deficit next year.

This marathon represents admirable leadership among local officials who recognized a problem with the marathon’s route through Irvine and sensed an opportunity to capitalize on it.