BECKHAM RUNS CIRCLES AROUND CRUISE

Peacock-proud CruiseControl, who strikes more poses than MADONNA to flaunt his buffed bod, melted down and wheezed like a sweat-hog when he desperately tried keeping pace with new BFF DAVID BECKHAM on a grueling run up LA's twisty Fryman Canyon. They started jogging neck-and-neck, but when Soccer King suddenly sprinted ahead, Movie Star raced to catch up. Arms pumping, huffing and puffing, he finally overtook grinning Beckham - who really yanked his Yank buddy's chain when he abruptly about-faced and started running BACKWARD, yelling taunts in Tommy's face.

Cruise screamed back - but got so winded, he finally stopped dead in his tracks, bending over to catch his breath as he puddled sweat. "Oh, come on, don't quit," needled Beckham. "I promise I'll let you keep up." Tuckered Tom shook his head, told Bantering Brit to bloody well go on without him...and hiked back to his car.