The fireworks show at the start of tomorrow's Honolulu Marathon will be twice as long this year so more runners can enjoy the fireworks as they cross the starting line.

Marathon President Jim Barahal said that in the past the bulk of the runners had not crossed the line before the two-minute show ended.

“;In the context of that, the show seemed kind of short to me,”; Barahal said.

The show will now last four minutes, beginning at 5 a.m., as the 37th annual Honolulu Marathon begins at Ala Moana Boulevard and Queen Street.

“;We are the only marathon in the world that has a fireworks start,”; said Pat Bigold, marathon spokesman. “;It makes it unique.”;

More than 23,000 marathoners and 3,000 walkers will participate in the 26.2-mile race.

Traffic will be affected from downtown, through Waikiki and to Hawaii Kai. Beginning at 12:30 a.m., one or more lanes will be closed until each section of the course is completed. Tow-away zones will be in effect from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Some roadways will be closed and traffic detoured.

Some bus routes will be canceled or changed. Call TheBus at 848-5555 or visit the www.thebus.org for more details.

For marathon-related traffic information, call 792-6630 or go to www.honolulumarathon.org and click on the traffic advisory link.