It doesnt take long to notice while playing that there is alot of running away, so why not give demigods that ability to walk backwards at attack while they are doing so.  This could help continue fights and you would be able to help you team even if you were to low on health to staay in the middle of the fight.  This should obviously come with some sort of speed penalty. you could tell your demigod to do this by clicking where you want to go, hold shift then your attack target.

I admit this idea isnt perfect, i would hope for it to increase the amount of fighting by allowing you to fight instead of running. but could also just make the other DG run in the opposite direction from you so they get out of range quicker.