RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Organizers of a 5k race that encourages women runners to dress like schoolgirls say they have canceled a race in Raleigh.

Sexy Schoolgirl race organizers told city officials on Thursday they were canceling the race, in part because of the “community controversy” it had created.

Former Raleigh police captain Paula O’Neal, who organizes other races, told the council she questioned the message being sent, especially with the problem of rape and violence against girls in schools and on college campuses.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports (http://bit.ly/1qz85IG ) reports that race organizers also cited a lack of early sign-ups as a factor in their decision.

The group’s website says races are planned for Charlotte, Cincinnati and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

___

Information from: The News & Observer, http://www.newsobserver.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.