Tiidrek Nurme started his competitive running season by participating in the Naples Half Marathon in Italy, where he finished in 14th place. His finishing time of 1:05:18 not only secured him a commendable position but also established a new Estonian record in the M40 age group. The race witnessed a remarkable performance from Yemaneberhan Crippa, who clinched victory with a time of 59:01.

In reflecting on his performance, Nurme indicated that this race served as a corrective measure compared to his previous year's event. He was aware of his objectives and managed to run in a more coordinated manner this time, even though his finishing time was 24 seconds slower than last year. The 14th place finish included a sprint finish, allowing him to outpace some younger competitors, including those who specialize in shorter distances like the 1500 meters.

As Nurme trains for the Boston Marathon, he noted that the Naples Half Marathon was a crucial component of his preparation. After spending three months in Kenya building his base and trying to manage various projects, and two weeks in snowy Estonia, he recognized the need for a strong, fast-paced run. He acknowledged that a recent virus might have slightly affected his performance but remained thankful for the experience gained from the race.